Hey friend,

Today, "nootropics" are all the rage in biohacking and wellness circles.

But the idea of sharpening the mind and protecting the brain isn’t new—it’s ancient.

The term nootropic was coined in the 1970s by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea after he discovered Piracetam, a synthetic compound shown to enhance cognition and memory. [1,2]

He defined nootropics as substances that “guide the mind”—from the Greek nöos (mind) and tropein (to guide).

But long before synthetic smart drugs hit the scene, ancient traditions were already using natural medicine to enhance brain power.

In Ayurveda, these brain-boosting botanicals are called Medhya Rasayanas—a revered class of herbs known to enhance memory, focus, clarity, and resilience. [3]

• Medhya means intellect and retention.
• Rasayana means rejuvenation and nourishment.

Together, they form a system of mind-sharpening remedies designed not just to boost performance but to support vitality and longevity.

In other words, the original nootropics weren’t created in a lab.

They grew from the earth.

Medhya Rasayanas: 5 Ancient Medicines to Boost & Regenerate Your Brain

1) Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri—commonly known as Brahmi—is an aquatic herb that’s been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word brahma, referring to the divine or creative force in Hindu philosophy.

In research, it has been shown to:

• Help protect brain cells from the age-accelerating effects of free radicals [4]
• Support short-term and long-term memory by modulating the activity of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter that drives the ability to learn and remember [5]
• Protect against Alzheimer's and neurodegeneration by decreasing amyloid-β plaques [6]
• Boost attention, concentration, [7] and overall cognitive enhancement [8]
• Reduce ADHD symptoms in adolescents [9,10]

2) Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), often recognized for its role in skincare thanks to its anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing (vulnerary) properties, is also a potent herb for enhancing brain function and cognitive health.

Gotu Kola's main brain and cognitive benefits include:

• Aids neuroregeneration and brain repair due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroplasticity-inducing effects [11,12,13]
• Improves learning, memory, and cognition by increasing acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter [14,15,16]
• Reduces anxiety, stress, and depression in both animal and human studies [17,18]

3) Jyotishmati

Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), known as “the intellect tree,” gets its name from the Sanskrit words jyoti teja—meaning “fire of the mind”—and mati, meaning “intelligence.”

The seed oil of Jyotishmati has been used for centuries in treating epilepsy, dementia, facial paralysis, amnesia, anxiety, sciatica, cognitive dysfunctions, etc. [19]

The "Intellect Tree's" research-backed neurological and cognitive benefits include:

• Improves memory, learning, and attention by enhancing acetylcholine activity [20]
• Reduces neuroinflammation, which is implicated in depression, brain fog, and long-term cognitive decline [21]
• Balances mood and stress by modulating stress hormones and mood-related pathways [21]
• Potential candidate for reducing Alzheimer's development, progression, and symptoms [22]

4) Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), also known as the heart-leaved moonseed, has been revered for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita praised it for treating venomous bites and stings.

Today, its root is valued not just for its anti-inflammatory and immune-strengthening benefits, but also for its ability to support cognitive clarity, memory, and brain resilience.

Guduchi has been shown to:

• Protect the brain and nervous system due to its antioxidant properties and trace elements (Zinc and copper) content [23]
• Reduce stress and possess adaptogenic activity [24]
• Boost physical performance while reducing blood pressure and heart rate [24]
• Enhances verbal learning, short-term, and intermediate memory [25,26]​

5) Shankhapushpi

This one can be confusing because in India, there are five different plants—from a few different genera—known by the same name.

The most well-known and researched is Convolvulus pluricaulis, which has the greatest effect and is the preferred source of Shankhapushpi.

C. pluricaulis has been shown to:

• Boost cognitive function (nootropic properties) [27]
• Reduce anxiety [28] and relieve depression [29]
• Protect the brain from heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity [30]

Animal research of C. pluricaulis has repeatedly shown to improve learning ability, enhance memory, and reverse dementia-related cognitive impairment. [31]

While Big Pharma pushes lab-made solutions, nature has had powerful answers all along.

For centuries, Ayurvedic medicine has used Medhya Rasayanas—brain-boosting herbs—to sharpen focus, enhance memory, elevate mood, and protect long-term cognitive health.

If you're dealing with brain fog, memory lapses, or witnessing cognitive decline in a loved one, it's time to act.

In today’s world, protecting your brain isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

I’m curious—

Have you ever tried any Ayurvedic herbs for brain health?

Hit reply and let me know (I’d love to hear your experience).

Stay sharp,

Onjae