DIY Brain Focus Fuel
Do you get distracted easily? I know I do. Having a smartphone always within arm’s reach gives me access to so much information and allows me to stay in touch with friends and family.
However, all the notifications constantly coming in, plus the ability to scroll social media and news feeds whenever I want to, can make staying focused a real challenge. Being hyper-connected isn’t the only thing about our modern lifestyle that is detrimental to our mental clarity. Certain lifestyle factors are actually worsening cognitive function.
In general, people are getting less physical activity and eating more processed foods, which has increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These conditions can contribute to mental decline and increase an individual’s risk of developing dementia.
Whether you’re trying to complete a work project, study for an upcoming test, or just be more productive in general, good mental focus is crucial to achieving your goals, improving learning and work performance, and problem-solving. Establishing better boundaries around my smartphone use has helped me to improve my concentration. But, for even better mental clarity and focus, I use herbs that give my brain a boost to help me maximize my productivity.
Herbs to Improve Focus
Herbs can improve focus to help us stay on task. Nootropic herbs promote mental clarity, focus, and learning. They are some of our best allies for better brain power. These plants can be supportive of overall brain health, helping to improve its function. However, it’s important to note that they typically work best when used over time, rather than taken in a single dose. So, it’s important to use these herbs regularly for a while to get their full benefits.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom is a potent nootropic and adaptogen, helping to protect the brain and improve mental performance. It contains constituents that help stimulate the growth of brain cells and protect them from degeneration that can cause memory loss. Research shows that it can even help to improve mental function in individuals who are already experiencing mild cognitive impairment. Additionally, lion’s mane can help to reduce anxiety and depression, conditions that can make it very difficult to think clearly and focus. These disorders can also cause sleep problems which lead to fatigue and can make focusing even more challenging.
This is the first remedy I’ve mentioned because I also used it for a while and I can certify it works amazing. Lion’s mane is my number one focus booster!
Have you seen people on the news who can’t make sense anymore? It’s unbelievable what cognitive decline can do in just a few months. If not kept healthy, your brain can degrade at a very fast rate without you noticing it. And it’s not even your fault! It’s those unavoidable pesticides and chemicals we breathe and are forced to eat.
Recent media showed us why keeping our brains healthy is mandatory! Now is the time to improve your cognitive function and encourage brain cell regeneration. The easiest way to do it is with the Lion’s Mane Tincture. I’ll leave a link here for you to check it out. I’d feel bad not to share this remedy when I know its benefits.
Guayusa
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a tree that is native to the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador, Peru, and Columbia. It has long been utilized by the native peoples of this region. It has been used traditionally for its stimulating properties to improve energy and alertness. Guayusa is an excellent source of polyphenols, which have neuroprotective properties. Guayusa also contains caffeine, a constituent that is known to boost cognition and mood. Caffeine increases alertness and can help to improve performance on tasks that require attention to detail and prolonged focus.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a common culinary herb. It is also renowned for its beneficial properties for the brain. It is rich in polyphenols, constituents that reduce cognitive decline due to aging and may help to prevent dementia. Research demonstrates its ability to improve memory, mental clarity, and focus.
Brain Focus Fuel Extract
A concentrated plant extract is a convenient and effective way to enjoy the benefits of these three potent brain-boosting herbs to help promote focus and mental clarity. Alcohol and glycerine can be used as solvents to pull out their properties. Both tinctures and glycerites can be taken under the tongue or enjoyed in a cup of water or tea. Both are quick and easy to make, but each preparation has specific benefits that might make one or the other better suited to your particular needs.
Alcohol Tinctures
Alcohol extracts are commonly called tinctures, though sometimes this term is used to describe other types of non-alcoholic herbal extracts as well. Since alcohol is excellent at extracting a variety of medicinal constituents, tinctures are very potent and concentrated. Tinctures have a shelf life of 5+ years and can last much longer if stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
Glycerites
Glycerites are a type of herbal extract that utilizes glycerin as the solvent. They are less potent and more pleasant tasting than alcohol tinctures. Glycerin does a good job of extracting the aromatic properties of herbs, making a gentle preparation that is an excellent option for children and people who choose to avoid alcohol.
Glycerites are shelf-stable and last about 1-2 years. Adding a small amount of alcohol helps to preserve them longer and can help to pull out more of the plant’s medicinal constituents.
If making tinctures yourself at home is not your thing, I’ve got your back. Not only that you don’t need to look for ingredients in multiple stores, but making them is not a headache anymore. Cordyceps Tincture, Lion’s Mane Tincture, and Reishi medicinal mushrooms Tincture, plus a Lemon Balm tincture. All of those stress-free can be gotten in the deal right here in Nicole’s Apothecary. It’s called the Healthy Brain Bundle. Here’s what Martha says about this bundle: 
To make Focus Tincture yourself, you will need:
To make Focus Tincture yourself, you will need:- 2 tablespoons lion’s mane mushroom powder
- 3 tablespoons guayusa leaves
- 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves
- Approximately 150 ml alcohol, 80 proof
To make Focus Glycerite yourself, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons lion’s mane mushroom powder
- 3 tablespoons guayusa leaves
- 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves
- 6 tablespoons glycerin
- 2 tablespoons distilled water
Directions:
- Add the herbs to a jar.
- Pour the water, glycerin and other ingredients over top, leaving at least a ½ inch or so of head space. Cap tightly and give the jar a good shake to combine. Then set the jar somewhere where it will be out of direct sunlight to steep.
- Let the mixture infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking every few days or as often as you remember. When the extract is finished, strain out the plant matter and rebottle the liquid. Be sure to label the bottle with the type of herb, type of extract, and date.
To use:
For optimal results, use the Brain Focus Fuel Extract daily. The herbs in this blend, particularly lion’s mane, are most effective when used consistently over time. Typically, a recommended dosage for tinctures and glycerites is 1-2 droppers full (approximately ¼ – ½ teaspoon) taken 1-3 times a day. Start with a lower dose to see how your body responds and adjust as necessary. Herbs are a wonderful way to support concentration. Whip up a bottle of focus fuel to help keep your memory sharp and your brain healthy.
However, it is important to note that focus tincture and glycerite will work best when paired with healthy lifestyle choices that promote overall vitality and brain health. Getting regular exercise and plenty of quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, and making life choices that support your emotional health are also essential for optimal cognitive function and focus.
Hello,
first, thank you so much for this recipe. To make Focus Tincture could I use dry leaves of guayusa instead of fresh ones? If so how much?
I’d like to know too if you can use dried guayusa as I’m in Australia I’m not sure how else I can get this if not dried. Thanks
Yes you can use dried