The afternoon slump is a woe that many of us are well acquainted with. It can happen as a result of your body’s natural circadian rhythms, lack of sleep, stress, dehydration, or diet, but unfortunately just as many of us can’t find the time for a nap in the middle of the day. Luckily, there are a whole host of herbs that are perfect for clearing brain fog, recharging your battery, and giving you the energizing boost that you need to power through the rest of the day. On the latest episode of Plant-Based, herbalist Rachelle Robinett discusses nootropics, the category of herbs or supplements that help “increase the performance and improve the health of our brains,” and how to use them.

Nootropics are a great way to get that boost of energy and clarity that many of us crave in the afternoon without needing to take a trip to the coffee shop around the corner. Since these herbs don’t have caffeine, they don’t cause the peaks and crashes that coffee might and can have us feeling “more balanced, which ultimately results in better energy,” says Robinett.

These herbs are also great for long-term brain health. But the best part of nootropics is that they are very fast acting, so they start taking effect just a few seconds after smelling or ingesting the herb or plant. Robinett’s favorite nootropics are ginko, which helps improve memory, concentration, and brain health, cacao, which is a mild central nervous system stimulator, rosemary, which helps improve cognition, brain performance, and memory, and holy basil and gotu kola which are “possible adaptogens” and are very calming and balancing.

Energizing herbal tea recipe with nootropics

IngredientsGotu KolaHoly BasilRosemaryCacao shellsBoiling water

1. Add each herb to a pitcher or mason jar

2. Pour boiling water over the ingredients and cover

3. Store in the fridge until you are ready to strain and sip

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