What's the deal with B vitamins? Can they really improve cognitive function? 

Elder has been used to treat upper respiratory tract infections for hundreds of years. Only in recent times, however, have we really begun investigating the mechanisms of how elder works so well for treating these conditions. Here, we have a look at the phytochemical makeup of elder, and how it has such a strong inhibitory effect on the influenza virus. 

Most of us that fall ill from influenza will recover within a few days. For some, however, the infection can lead to much more serious complications like pneumonia and death. What medications are available? What are their strenghts and weakensses?

For all of human history we have been plagued by viruses. Influenza has been especially virulent over the past 100 years, and has lead to what has been deemed "the worst catastrophy in human history". How does influenza infect us and make us sick? What are the risks of influenza catastrophy in the future? Is there anything we can do to stop it?

Ayahuasca is a blend of 2 Amazonian plants, brewed to produce one of the most psychoactive substances in the world. It's commonly used in the treatment of drug addiction, chronic depression, and anxiety disorders but has also seen a surge in global interest for non-medical reasons.  

L-Tyrosine is a popular addition to nootropic formula. It serves as the building block for the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenalin, and noradrenaline and thus plays a significant role in the stress response. Learn how you can use L-Tyrosine in your nootropic stack. 

The word sarsaparilla rings a bell in many peoples mind. It is a common, and popular herb in both western and traditional Chinese herbalism, and is one of the key ingredients in the traditional root beer recipe... But what exactly is sarsaparilla? What is it used for, and is there any evidence? 

Alpha-GPC is a popular addition to many nootropic formulas, yet is not well understood by the consumer market. What makes this addition so important and why should you consider adding it to your nootropic stack? 

Catuaba is the common name of over 8 unrelated species of plants. Learn the difference between these species so that you know which ones to use and which ones to avoid. 

Yerba maté is a popular beverage in South America, which has spread all over the world. The stimulating actions of the tea make it popular among students, entrepreneurs, and as a social or morning ritual. 

Racetams were the first class of nootropics ever discovered, and remain one of the most popular nootropic substances on the planet. Why you ask? Find out more here. 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor increases have been linked with a variety of neurological disorders, and naturally, declines with age. Modern MAO inhibitors tend to come with a variety of undesirable side effects, pushing us to look for new MAO inhibitor options...

We look at a common nootropic, huperzine-A coming from Chinese clubmoss. What does it do? How does it work? Why should you use it? All of these questions will be answered.

We love caffeine... we drink it every day in our coffee, tea, and yerba maté... pretty much all day actually. But it's a common misconception that caffeine will make you smarter. Here we look at the chemistry and pharmacology behind caffeine and why is doesn't make us smarter... fortunately, it does give us something however...

Psilocybin is the chemical found in magic mushrooms. It has been getting some attention lately as a possible nootropic in small doses. Here we have a closer look at how this chemical works, and consider how this may or may not offer nootropic benefits.... 

Nootropics are any substance that improves the natural abilities of the brain to improve cognition. there are many ways these can work, and this month we will be exploring a few of them, why they are useful, and how we can put them to work for us.