Nootropics (Brain Health)

Valerian Root is an age-old herbal remedy for helping people sleep. Valerian is a tall, flowering grassland plant, originally from Asia and Europe, that is processed for use as a supplement. It has a strong scent, is also consumed as a tea. Its name comes from the Latin word meaning “to be healthy” Valerenic acid, a compound within Valerian Root, has been found to inhibit the breakdown of an acid in the brain that regulated nerve impulses. The effect is that it results in feelings of calmness and tranquility.

Melatonin is a hormone that’s produced by your brain when it’s dark outside. It’s a signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. With the modern schedule, sleep schedules can get thrown off, and insomnia can occur. Taking Melatonin supplements has been shown to help people with irregular sleep schedules get some much-needed rest. A 2018 study showed that people who had issues with their sleep cycles who took melatonin one hour before bed fell asleep an average of 34 minutes sooner, and had better sleep, and better daytime functioning. Studies also found that melatonin helped reduce anxious feelings before and after surgery.

GABA might sound like a line from a Ramones song, but in the world of nutrition, it stands for Gamma-AminoButyric Acid. It’s a neurotransmitter, a substance that helps your brain pass information chemically. When it attaches to a protein in the brain (a GABA receptor) it produces a calming effect and makes you feel relaxed. It’s also used by people who may have issues with seizures, ADHD, anxious feelings, and panic disorders, as well as depression. In general, it’s like a cup of warm tea for your brain.

Valerian Root is an age-old herbal remedy for helping people sleep. Its name comes from the Latin word meaning “to be healthy” Valeneric acid, a compound within Valerian Root, has been found to inhibit the breakdown of an acid in the brain that regulated nerve impulses.