Your ticket to brain health and longevity
As we age, our cognition naturally declines—and by no fault of our own. Processing speed slows, we have a decreased capacity for working and episodic memory, and a heightened risk for neurodegenerative conditions1. By keeping our brains healthy, can greatly reduce risk factors for premature cognitive decline. We cannot avoid the inevitable aging of the brain, but we can support healthy cognitive function and overall longevity with lifestyle factors and brain-boosting herbs. Apothékary’s new Mindcraft™ tincture features nootropic herbs to enhance cognitive function, adaptogens that energize and relieve stress, and functional mushrooms rich in amino acids directly linked to longevity.
Lifestyle Factors
In addition to taking your daily herbs, lifestyle factors are key to optimizing long-term cognition. These include:
- Managing daily stress
- Getting adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night)
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Eating a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods
- Being physically active
- Keeping your mind active
- Staying connected with social activities
- Obtaining regular health screenings
- Avoiding unnecessary prescriptions
How Brain Health and Stress Are Connected
The impact of stress on cognition cannot be minimized. Studies have shown an association between elevated levels of stress and poor cognition.3 Specifically, studies have projected that a 10% to 25% reduction in modifiable risk factors, including behavioral factors (like stress), could prevent 1.3 million cases of Alzheimer disease globally.3 Though most of the current research is conducted on older populations, younger generations are more stressed than ever. Rates of brain fog and other cognitive issues have been on steep rise in people under 44 years old since the pandemic. Scientists are pointing to chronic stress, depression, medication, and long Covid as possible reasons. Minimizing feelings of stress and improving overall mental health can help protect the brain throughout our lives.
Mindcraft™’s Brain-Supporting Herbs: A Deep Dive
Lion’s Mane - Fruiting Body (Hericium erinaceus)
Meditative mind
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be found growing in temperate regions throughout the world. The common name hails from the toothed or hairy appearance of the off-white fruiting body. This particular mushroom has a special affinity for the brain and central nervous system. Mouse and in-vivo studies have demonstrated its ability to improve nerve survival and proliferation through targeting proteins called nerve growth factor (NGF)4. In human studies, we have seen equally powerful impacts improving a wide array of cognitive abilities such as focus and reaction time5. In addition to cognition, the nootropic mushroom has been shown to enhance mood and even improve sleep.
The Japanese name for lion’s mane, “yamabushitake”, comes from its association with the Yamabushi monks who have historically used the mushroom for its nootropic benefits—specifically to enhance focus during meditation. Lion’s mane mushrooms are the key to enhancing everyday focus and protecting our cranial nerves for the long run.
Cordyceps - Fruiting Body (Cordyceps militaris)
Energetic powerhouse
Cordyceps is sometimes referred to as caterpillar fungus, as it was first discovered growing out of the backs of caterpillars. Modern growing methods, luckily, do not require the involvement of bugs for production. Cordyceps has a special affinity for producing cellular energy in the body. Over 1,500 years ago, herdsmen in Tibet observed their livestock consuming the fungus and becoming instantly more energetic.
Modern research in humans have investigated its ergogenic benefits for enhancing athletic performance, stamina, and boosting energy.6 How does it give us energy? It can help the body synthesize ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), which is key for energy production. ATP is an energy carrying molecule that fuels cellular function. These petite and powerful mushrooms can also improve oxygen uptake, oxygen delivery, and improve blood flow. This is beneficial for our workout performance as well as our brains. Our brains need adequate oxygen and blood flow to fire optimally. Additional research on cordyceps has shown benefits for key longevity factors including inflammation ease, immunity, and damaging free radical removal.
What’s So Special About Mushrooms?
Mushrooms contain an amino acid called L-ergothioneine (ERGO) which is said to be one of nature’s best longevity vitamins. It is found in high concentrations in fungi and not much else in the natural world. This amino acid promotes longevity through its significant antioxidant activity, cell protection, cardiovascular benefits, and so much more.
Red Ginseng Root (Panax ginseng)
Ultimate adaptogen
Asian ginseng root is often coveted as the panacea of all herbs. In fact, the latin name, “Panax” comes from the Greek word “all healing”, and shares linguistic roots with the word “panacea”. It was discovered over 5,000 years ago in China and has been utilized as a remedy for just about everything.7 Ginseng has been extensively studied for its effects on mental and physical performance, stamina, longevity, immunity, and energy. A clinical trial in healthy volunteers, showed that eight weeks of ginseng supplementation led to improvements in working memory, quality of life, mood, and cognitive performance.8 Another trial showed the root’s ability to relax the sympathetic nervous system and improve cognition in people experiencing high stress9.
Incorporated here in its steamed form, we chose red ginseng for Mindcraft™ as it is said to have higher overall biological effects and fewer side effects when compared with fresh or white. This is most likely due to the higher amount of bioavailable ginsenosides present, which are the main medicinal compounds in the roots. Red ginseng tends to be more stimulating in nature, making it a perfect choice for a midday boost. When looking to promote longevity through herbs, there are fewer better choices than ginseng root.
Bacopa - Leaf & Stem (Bacopa monnieri)
Mental multi-tasker
Bacopa, also known as brahmi, is native to India and has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It has been used traditionally and is still used today to sustain a healthy mind. The bitter plant contains active compounds called bacosides. Bacosides are said to be tonics for the human brain and contribute to the herb's cognitive enhancing abilities10. In particular, intake of bacopa has a special affinity for supporting all memory categories—short-term, episodic, spatial, and working11. In addition to memory and cognition, clinical studies have shown the plant’s benefits for emotional well-being and overall health12. If anyone is looking for a mental multi-tasker, bacopa is a smart choice.
Galangal Root (Alpinia galanga)
Spicy nootropic
Galangal root is a popular spice used in Thai and other southeast Asian cuisine. It is a fragrant cousin to ginger with many similar qualities. Like ginger, it is warming and stimulating in nature. Stimulating herbs are beneficial in formulas to help drive and carry the other functional herbs. Unknown to most people, galangal root is also a potent nootropic herb. The spicy and aromatic roots have been gaining in popularity over the years for their cognitive enhancing abilities. A clinical study revealed that intake of galangal extract can help improve mental alertness, accuracy, and reaction time as well as increasing energy and reducing overall fatigue.13 When combined with caffeine, galangal has been shown to impede the caffeine crash and help sustain attention.14
In Japan, it is commonly used as incense. In addition to its benefits for internal use, the fragrance can also aid mental alertness and elevate the mood. The scent is warm and spicy with rich woody notes.
Blue Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea) & Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)
The vibrant purple hues of Mindcraft™ are naturally derived from blue butterfly pea flower and organic blueberries. Blue butterfly pea is a climbing vine native to Southeast Asia. There, it is widely used in food, medicina, and spiritual preparations. The flowers are a powerful antioxidant and have shown benefits for maintaining healthy glucose levels.15 Blueberries, present in the formula in juice and powder form, are as equally high in antioxidants. Blueberries are considered a superfruit and contribute to the health and vitality of almost every system in the human body. Their high flavonoid content is valuable for easing inflammation and removing damaging free radicals from the body. Controlling inflammation in the body is a key factor to longevity. For the ties to brain health, research has shown intake of blueberries to improve cognitive function and reaction times in older adults.16,17
Conclusion
Whatever age we are, supporting our brains is a valuable asset for contributing to a long and healthy life. We cannot prevent natural aging, but we can give ourselves the power to control our lifestyle choices. The potent herbs within Mindcraft™ have demonstrated their ability to support our bodies in a multitude of ways—with the data to back it up. Take a dropper or two of Mindcraft™ daily to give your body the power it deserves.
Mindcraft™ is exclusively available in The Limited-Edition Wellbound Box.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4906299/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4906299/)
- https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures (https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grants&utm_content=dementia&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdTMqiVeGEfICYVP_YBPKWfG6xVYN5tq8rvZyVxKaobsUNSvUi1chRRoCa3gQAvD_BwE)
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802090?utm_campaign=articlePDF&utm_medium=articlePDFlink&utm_source=articlePDF&utm_content=jamane (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802090?utm_campaign=articlePDF&utm_medium=articlePDFlink&utm_source=articlePDF&utm_content=jamanetworkopen.2023.1860)
