Empower your patients to sustain their cognitive health

By addressing root causes, you can empower your patients to reclaim and sustain their cognitive health.

Is there a better way to feel like myself again? Every week, I meet patients who quietly ask some version of that same question. Whether it’s sadness that lingers, anxiety that won’t loosen its grip or the fog of addiction recovery, what many of these patients really want is hope—without the side effects. And yet, the first solution most physicians offer for their patients’ cognitive health is a prescription.

Mood disorders and emotional distress are on the rise, and the go-to treatment for too many is still pharmaceuticals. Physicians now commonly use antidepressants, originally developed for short-term crisis intervention, for everyday unhappiness. While these drugs may have their place, their long-term use is often riddled with consequences—nutrient depletion, emotional blunting, dependency and the eventual need for even more medications.

Natural nootropics and targeted supplements offer a gentler, more sustainable path for patients who want to reclaim clarity, energy and emotional steadiness. In my practice, I’ve seen how these evidence-backed options can shift not just brain chemistry but lives.

Understanding nootropics: Nature’s cognitive health catalysts

Natural nootropics are compounds that improve brain function, such as focus, memory, energy and emotional regulation, without the harsh side effects of synthetic drugs. Derived from herbs, amino acids or nutrients, they help balance neurotransmitters, reduce oxidative stress and support healthy brain aging. They’re not just for peak performers; they’re for anyone whose mental clarity or mood is suffering.

10 key supplements for mood, focus and resilience

Here’s a list I frequently use in my practice, especially with patients experiencing mood disorders or depression or recovering from addiction.

1. Bacopa monnieri
An Ayurvedic herb shown to enhance memory and reduce anxiety by modulating acetylcholine and serotonin, it’s a reliable tool for improving both cognition and mood.

Dose: 300–450 mg/day (standardized to 20%–55% bacosides)
Study: A 12-week trial showed improved memory recall and reduced anxiety and depression scores.¹

2. L-Theanine (from green tea)
A calming amino acid that promotes alpha brain waves and enhances GABA, serotonin and dopamine activity, this is particularly useful for anxiety and focus during stress.²

Dose: 100–200 mg/day
Study: Improved attention and reaction time in adults under stress.

3. Rhodiola rosea
This adaptogen helps modulate stress hormones while boosting serotonin and dopamine, which helps reduce mental fatigue and increase stamina.

Dose: 200–600 mg/day (standardized extract)
Study: Improved fatigue and attention in physicians during night shifts.³

4. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
These essential fats support neuronal membrane health and reduce inflammation. Studies have linked low levels to mood disorders.

Dose: 1–3 g/day EPA + DHA; add some GLA (Borage oil—even as low as 100 mg—helps prevent inflammation)
Study: Slowed cognitive aging by more than two years in a large trial.⁴

5. Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
This neurotrophic mushroom stimulates nerve growth factor, supporting neuroplasticity and memory function.

Dose: 1–3 g/day dried mushroom or extract
Study: Cognitive improvement was observed after 16 weeks of daily use in adults with mild cognitive impairment.⁵

6. Ginkgo biloba
This enhances blood flow to the brain and provides antioxidant benefits. Some studies show improvement in vascular-related cognitive decline and memory.

Dose: 120–240 mg/day
Study: Modest gains were observed in some cases of mild cognitive impairment.⁶

7. Phosphatidylserine
This is a phospholipid that supports cellular communication and neurotransmitter release and is especially helpful for memory in aging adults.

Dose: 300 mg/day
Study: Improved verbal recall over 15 weeks in elderly participants.⁷

8. Choline
This boosts acetylcholine and dopamine levels and is effective for brain fog and mood regulation, especially in stress-related or injury-related cases.

Dose: 250–500 mg twice daily
Findings: Generally well-tolerated and supports attention and memory.

9. Panax ginseng
An adaptogen that influences multiple neurotransmitters, it may improve resilience and mood in select patients.⁸

Dose: 200–600 mg/day
Study: Some small trials show benefits for cognition and mood.

10. Methylene Blue (Low-Dose Troche)
This is a synthetic compound with mitochondrial and neuroprotective effects. It enhances ATP production and acts as a mild monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which supports mood and focus.

Dose: 0.5–2 mg/kg
Study: Improved memory and brain connectivity in older adults.⁹

A sample case study

Let’s consider a sample case study to bring this list to life. We’ll call this patient John, a 54-year-old accountant who had brain fog, low energy and increasing forgetfulness. He wasn’t depressed per se, but he was emotionally flat and mentally tired.

Rather than reach for medication, we began a regimen of lion’s mane (1,000 mg), Rhodiola (200 mg in the morning) and L-Theanine (200 mg at midday). He also started brain-training games and daily walks. After eight weeks, he reported better recall, improved focus and, most notably, a renewed sense of hope.

Clinical pearls for natural health providers

Stories like John’s aren’t uncommon, and they reinforce why an integrative, root-cause approach matters so deeply. As practitioners, we’re uniquely positioned to offer patients tools that address both the neurochemical and lifestyle dimensions of healing. Whether you’re new to using brain-supportive supplements or looking to refine your protocols, the following guidelines can help you incorporate nootropics into your practice with greater clarity and care:

• Always screen for potential medication interactions, especially with serotonergic drugs or anticoagulants.
• Start with a single supplement to observe effects before layering.
• Track outcomes using objective measures such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), computerized neuropsychological signs (CNS) or patient journaling.
• Recommend lifestyle changes, such as hygiene practices, regular movement, breathwork and sunlight exposure.

Use compounding pharmacies for specialized options, such as methylene blue troches. Or you can recommend Troscriptions®, which don’t require a prescription.

Final thoughts on the impact of natural nootropics and cognitive health

Mood disorders are often multilayered—rooted in nutrition, stress, life circumstances or even genetics. But the rush to medicate has led many patients down a path of dependency and unresolved symptoms. As natural health practitioners, we can offer something different; something better.

Neuro-nutrition, adaptogens and targeted nootropics don’t mask symptoms; they help restore balance, build resilience and support long-term healing. When we take the time to understand and address the root cause, we empower patients to reclaim their mental well-being.

Cindy M. Howard, DC, DABCI, DACBN, FIAMA, FICC, is a board-certified chiropractic internist and nutritionist specializing in finding the root cause of symptoms and diseases. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National University of Health Sciences and is in private practice in Orland Park, Illinois, where she focuses on individualized care. For more information, visit innovativehwc.com. If you’d like information about offering hormone therapy services, please call Howard at 708-479-0020 or email her at drcindymhoward@gmail.com.

References

1. Benson S, et al. An acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on multitasking stress reactivity and mood. Phytother Res.2014;28(4):551-559. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23788517/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

2. White DJ, et al. Anti-stress, behavioural and magnetoencephalography effects of an l-Theanine-based nutrient drink: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(1):53. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4728665/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

3. Edgerton VR, Roy RR. Invited review: Gravitational biology of the neuromotor systems: a perspective to the next era. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2000;89(3):1224-1231. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10956372/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

4. He Z, et al. Cardiomyocyte-specific expression of CYP2J2 prevents development of cardiac remodelling induced by angiotensin II. Cardiovasc Res. 2015;105(3):304-317. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25618409/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

5. Nagano M, et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by four weeks Hericiumerinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231-237. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

6. Li D, et al. Effectiveness and safety of ginkgo biloba preparations in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Aging Neurosci. 2023:15:1124710. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36960422/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

7. Chung JT, et al. Activation of bovine oocytes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Theriogenology. 2000;53(6):1273-1284. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10832752/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

8. Kumar S, Sharma A. Anti-anxiety activity studies of various extracts of Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(4):13-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16635964/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

9. Ritter J, et al. T-cell repertoires in refractory coeliac disease. Gut. 2018;67(4):644-653. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28188172/. Accessed July 1, 2025.