Brain-tonic (Nootropic) Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective
Brain-tonic Recipes Brain-tonic Ingredients Brain-tonic Herbs & Supplements AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING MIND-STRESS-SLEEPINGREDIENTS WITH BRAIN-TONIC QUALITY
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Neutral (Tridoshic)Fennel SeedsReduces Acai, Almonds, Blueberry, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Grape, Sorghum Flour, SteviaReduces Coriander SeedReduces WalnutsAlmonds, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Coconut Oil, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Rosemary, Stevia
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Almonds, Blueberry, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Grape, Sorghum Flour
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Almonds, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Coconut Oil, Grape
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Coriander Seed, Fennel Seeds, Grape, Sorghum Flour
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Acai, Blueberry, Coriander Seed, Grape
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Almonds, Coconut Oil
SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Grape, Rosemary
NERVINEHerbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, even chronic pain.Sorghum Flour
ANXIOLYTICHerbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.Stevia
ADAPTOGENHerbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.Acai, Almonds, Blueberry, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Fennel Seeds, Grape, Sorghum Flour, Stevia
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Almonds, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Walnuts
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Blueberry, Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Grape, Sorghum Flour
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Almonds, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Walnuts
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Blueberry, Coriander Seed, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Sorghum Flour, Stevia
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Coriander Seed, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Rosemary, Stevia
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Coriander Seed, Fennel Seeds, Walnuts
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Coriander Seed, Rosemary, Walnuts
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Ginger (Fresh), Rosemary, Stevia
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Coconut Milk, Walnuts
DIFFICULTDifficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.Rosemary
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Sorghum Flour
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Acai, Almonds, Blueberry, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Grape, Sorghum Flour, Stevia
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Almonds, Coconut Butter, Coconut Cream, Coconut Flakes, Walnuts
CRUNCHYMakes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.Acai, Rosemary, Sorghum Flour, Stevia, Walnuts
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Coriander Seed, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Rosemary
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Coriander Seed, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Rosemary
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Coriander Seed, Rosemary, Sorghum Flour, Stevia
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Rosemary
RESINOUSResinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.Ginger (Fresh)
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.Sorghum Flour
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH BRAIN-TONIC QUALITY
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Reduces Vata Shirodhara OilReduces Nasya OilAshwagandha, Bacopa, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), KapiKacchu, Lemon Balm, Nasya Oil, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Wood Betony
NERVINEHerbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, even chronic pain.Amalaki, Anantamul, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Chinese, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Rhodiola, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Schisandra, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Chinese, KapiKacchu, Lemon Balm, Nasya Oil, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Rhodiola, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Wood Betony
ANXIOLYTICHerbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.Amalaki, Elecampane, Ginseng, Chinese, KapiKacchu, Lemon Balm, Nasya Oil, Rhodiola, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Schisandra
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Amalaki, Anantamul, Ashwagandha, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Elecampane, Ginkgo
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Amalaki, Anantamul, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Vata Shirodhara Oil
SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Amalaki, Anantamul, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Rhodiola
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Amalaki, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Chinese, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Rhodiola, Schisandra
ADAPTOGENHerbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.Anantamul, Ashwagandha, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Elecampane, Ginkgo, KapiKacchu
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Amalaki, Anantamul, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Ginkgo, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Rhodiola, Skullcap
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Ashwagandha, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi Oil (4oz), KapiKacchu, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Vata Shirodhara Oil
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Ashwagandha, KapiKacchu, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, Vata Shirodhara Oil
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Ashwagandha, Elecampane, Ginseng, Chinese, KapiKacchu, Schisandra
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Chinese, Rhodiola, Schisandra
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Elecampane, Lemon Balm, Nasya Oil, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Ginkgo, Nasya Oil, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, St. John's Wort
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Elecampane, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Vata Shirodhara Oil
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Amalaki
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Ginkgo
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Anantamul, Ashwagandha, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Elecampane, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Chinese, KapiKacchu, Rhodiola, Skullcap, St. John's Wort
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Anantamul, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Chinese, KapiKacchu, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Schisandra, Vata Shirodhara Oil
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Amalaki, Ashwagandha, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Elecampane, Ginkgo, Rhodiola, Schisandra, St. John's Wort
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Anantamul, Elecampane, Rhodiola, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, Vata Shirodhara Oil
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Elecampane, Lemon Balm, Nasya Oil
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Elecampane
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Elecampane
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Mind Stress SleepAshwagandha, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Ginkgo, Ginseng, Chinese, KapiKacchu, Nasya Oil, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara OilAmalaki, Ashwagandha, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Chinese, KapiKacchu, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Rhodiola
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.HELPFUL FOR*'Brain-tonic' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.Mind Stress SleepAlzheimer's, Anxiety, fear, uncertainty, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Confusion / Cloudy Mind, Dementia / Cognitive Decline, Difficulty concentrating, Difficulty falling asleep, Epilepsy, Excessive thinking, Forgetful / spacey / distracted, Insomnia, Intelligent, efficient, perfectionist, Irregular sleep schedule, Not smart enough, Parkinson's Disease, Slow, monotonous speech, WorkaholicReproductive HealthPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. |
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