When N/A means Nootropics and/or Adaptogens
Replacements for Alcohol to affect your mood and health
A driving design component of Toward Wellth is to be a social yet alcohol free environment.
Adaptogens and Nootropics are naturally occurring biologically active compounds - typically derived from roots, mushrooms, plants, and other herbs. There have been natural medicine uses for many of these substances, taking back centuries as they were identified in regulating mood, managing infections/viruses, regulating stress, reducing inflammation, providing clarity in thought, and other effects.
Technically a compound is an adaptogen if it impacts physiological systems (stress response systems) and it is a nootropic if it impacts neurochemicals, improves the oxygen supply to the brain, or otherwise impacts nerve growth/activity.
These all can be ingested although care should be taken to understand if there are potential drug-to-drug interactions, especially if you are on medications to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, insomnia, autoimmune disorders, or depression. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional if you’re not sure.
Common examples of Nootropics and Adaptogens are:
Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane (which is both nootropic and adaptogen), Cordyceps, and Reishi.
Roots like Ginseng (nootropic and adaptogen), Ashwagandha (both nootropic and adaptogen), Ginger, Tumeric, Chinese Skullcap, and Rhodiola rosea (nootropic and adaptogen).
Leaves like Tulsi (holy basil), Mint, Bacopa monnieri [aka Brahmi] (both nootropic and adaptogen)
Flowers and Flower oils like Hibiscus, Lavender, and CBD
These “N/A” compounds have mild to moderate effects, and for most you can find out their primary uses as well as potential contraindications with online searches. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, if you have health concerns, seek healthcare professional support in considering the use of nootropics or adaptogens.
If you’re here seeking alcohol alternatives for a sober or sober-curious lifestyle, N/A compounds can be helpful for adjustments to mood or attention alongside other therapies and coping mechanisms.
Here’s a quick table of 10 N/A sources, a summary of some of their uses, and the situations where they might have unintended effects (or worsen an existing condition).
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them
https://www.health.com/adaptogens-7569108
https://www.verywellhealth.com/nootropics-benefits-and-safety-7499494
https://www.naturesrise.com/blogs/brainfood/nootropics-side-effects
When Toward Wellth adds an opening day mocktail and tea menu, you will see placement of many of these N/A compounds as part of those craft creations alongside the menu NA beers.