Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Gregorian on 20/04/2009 21:14:27

Title: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: Gregorian on 20/04/2009 21:14:27: Hi there,

I have been searching for something that can make you actually smarter other than exercising your brain, eating healthy and exercising. I found this herb called Gotu Kola
It seems like it enhances the blood flow to the brain and through the vascular system which will energize the one who takes it in addition to improving the memory.

There are a lot of herbs like this, anyways, my question is, if I wanted to try them and found that one of these herbs really works.. but after a while I decided to stop will there be any effects such as not being able to remember as much as I used before I started and feeling lazy!

Do you think such herbs have side effects?

Thanks
Title: Re: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: Bored chemist on 20/04/2009 22:12:01: If your brain needed more blood flow to it
1
Evolution would have made sure that it already had it and
2
there wouldn't be a complicated feedback system controlling it.

So, the pretext on which this stuff is sold doesn't make sense.
As for your experience please don't be offended if I ask how can you be sure it wasn't the placebo effect?

Incidentally, all drugs have side effects. Herbal drugs certainly have side effects. The sad thing is that in some cases the only effect of these "herbs" is that they damage the liver or kidneys; they have no beneficial effect.

There are no quick fixes- if your brain could be made to work better by something as simple as a plant extract then it would already have found a way to work that well without the herbs.
The best youy can hope for is something like the effect of coffee.
Title: Re: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: DrN on 20/04/2009 23:13:41: You could also look at it the other way round - not exercising and eating a poor diet may cause your (in fact most people's) brain to function suboptimally!
Title: Re: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 21/04/2009 01:35:44: Quote from: Gregorian on 20/04/2009 21:14:27
Do you think such herbs have side effects?
Yes.
Title: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: DrN on 21/04/2009 22:02:11: Quote from: Chemistry4me on 21/04/2009 01:35:44
Quote from: Gregorian on 20/04/2009 21:14:27
Do you think such herbs have side effects?
Yes.

Good answer!
Title: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 22/04/2009 01:11:29: Quote from: fishytails on 21/04/2009 22:02:11
Quote from: Chemistry4me on 21/04/2009 01:35:44
Quote from: Gregorian on 20/04/2009 21:14:27
Do you think such herbs have side effects?
Yes.

Good answer!
No.
Title: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: DeepestBlue on 22/04/2009 02:23:29: Quote from: Gregorian on 20/04/2009 21:14:27

It seems like it enhances the blood flow to the brain and through the vascular system which will energize the one who takes it in addition to improving the memory.

Thanks

This herb seems to me to give you a great reason to have a brain haemorrhage....makes note to remain stupid
Title: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 22/04/2009 02:31:35: Good idea mate! That was what I was going to do! [;)]
Title: Are there any herbs or natural products that can make you smarter?
Post by: miogate on 22/04/2009 04:46:58: Yes that's right,.actually i need more resistance for my brain.