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13 Natural Stimulants That Aren’t Caffeine

by | Oct 1, 2020 | Last updated Aug 23, 2022

If you are looking to increase your energy, you’ve probably thought about using stimulants. Stimulants are an excellent way to focus your mind and concentrate on everything you have to do during the day.

What is a natural stimulant?

Natural stimulants are compounds found in plants, roots or other natural sources that increase activity in your central nervous system. They can also help you improve your focus and sense of calm while stabilizing your mood.

If you are looking for natural stimulants that aren’t caffeine, here are 13 few options that you should consider.

1. Ginseng

One of the first natural options that you should consider is ginseng. You can find ginseng at your local vitamin shop. Depending on where you live in the United States, you may even find ginseng fields growing right in your backyard. For centuries, ginseng has been used as a part of Chinese medicine. There are multiple types of ginseng, and each one of them comes with unique benefits. Most of the energy-boosting effects of ginseng come from biologically active compounds called ginsenosides.

You will enjoy multiple benefits if you decide to take ginseng regularly. One of the most common ways that people consume ginseng is through a drink, such as tea. Medical studies that have taken a closer look at Ginseng have verified many of the energy-boosting effects of people claim it has. For example, one double-blind study found that people who take dancing regularly for eight weeks significantly reduced their fatigue. As a result, ginseng can have many of the same effects as caffeine and several other stimulants.

The effects of ginseng can be relatively strong when compared to other stimulants. If you plan to take ginseng for the first time, you should reach out to a trained medical professional before you start. Make sure that ginseng is not going to interact with anything else that you are currently taking. That way, you can set yourself up for success when you start to take ginseng as a stimulant. This is one of the best ways to remove caffeine from your diet and still stay awake, allowing you to focus on everything you have to do during your day.

2. Yohimbine

One popular stimulant they may have heard about is called yohimbine. Yohimbine is a supplement that comes from the bark of an evergreen tree that grows in Africa. For a long time, yohimbine has been considered an excellent way for people to increase their fat loss while also building lean muscle. Yohimbine is also popular as a mental stimulant. It has been used in Africa for many years. Now, it has made its way to Western cultures as a dietary supplement.

According to multiple medical studies, yohimbine works by blocking alpha 2 adrenergic receptors in the body. Yohimbine has also been shown to promote the release of nitric oxide. This will dilate your blood vessels, increasing the amount of flow to the muscles throughout your body. This can also increase the amount of blood that flows to your brain, helping you focus and concentrate on everything you have to do.

When you dilate your blood vessels, it increases the flow of oxygen, blood, and other nutrients to your brain. This may cause your blood pressure to drop slightly. You may feel a bit more relaxed after taking yohimbine. At the same time, you need to make sure that you do not combine the supplement with anything else that will lower your blood pressure. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsafe drop in blood pressure, leading to several complications. If you have questions about combining yohimbine with anything else that you are regularly taking, it is a good idea for you to speak with a trained medical professional. There’s a chance that this natural supplement may be able to help you increase your focus and clarity while also helping you remove your dependence on caffeine.

3. Theobromine

Another powerful compound that you may want to consider is something called the theobromine. Has there ever been a day when you tried to stay away from caffeine? In this situation, you may have reached for a cup of decaffeinated coffee instead. Then, you realize that your decaffeinated coffee still helped you stay focused and get through your day. Why was this the case? It might have been because your cup of decaffeinated coffee still contained something called theobromine.

In reality, the energy power of coffee isn’t solely due to the caffeine that it contains. There is also an alkaloid present in coffee called theobromine. Theobromine will help you stimulate your central nervous system. As a result, you will increase the amount of blood that is flowing to your brain cells. As a result, you may notice that your cognitive performance improves when you drink coffee, even when it doesn’t have caffeine in it. Theobromine ensures that your brain’s cells still have the oxygen and nutrients they need to function correctly.

 One specific study took a look at individuals who consume this alkaloid regularly. The study found that individuals who drink theobromine regularly feel more relaxed and less anxious and those who do not. This is probably why you feel less jittery and less nervous when you drink coffee instead of energy drinks, which do not contain this alkaloid in them.

 If you are looking to consume this alkaloid regularly, you might think about drinking some decaffeinated coffee. On the other hand, if you are looking for a way to get rid of coffee entirely, there are plenty of alternatives available to you as well. For example, you can find this compound in capsules, powders, and even naturally in cocoa.

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4. Bitter Orange

Another natural stimulant that you may want to consider is something called bitter orange. For a long time, people used bitter orange for weight loss. Now, it is commonly seen as a mental stimulant. Bitter orange is still readily available that supplement stores. The action of bitter orange rests and its ability to modulate blood flow. When you take bitter orange, you will increase the blood flow to your brain. Your brain will have more oxygen and nutrients to help you carry out everything you have to do during the day.

At the same time, it is also for you to be careful when using the supplement. It also goes by the name of Ephedra, and it can increase your blood pressure too much if you take too much of it. If your blood pressure is too high for a prolonged amount of time, it may end up damaging your blood vessels in your heart, brain, and lungs. If you are interested in using bitter orange to improve your mental focus and clarity throughout the day, it is a good idea for you to meet with your healthcare provider to learn more about it.

When you start to take bitter orange for the first time, it is crucial, to begin with, a relatively low dose. Then, you can gradually increase it as you need to. Make sure that you are not combining bitter orange with anything else that impacts your blood pressure. Otherwise, you could exacerbate both compounds’ side effects, leading to complications that you want to avoid.

5. Theanine

Another one of the stimulants that you may want to consider is called theanine. Another option for a natural stimulant, this is another compound that is commonly found in tea. If you have been drinking coffee regularly for many years, you may find that you get jittery and nervous without it. Yes, this is a sign that you are going through something called caffeine withdrawals; however, there is a way that you can deal with these symptoms without having to give up your morning cup of coffee entirely. That comes in the form of theanine.

The easiest way that you can find this compound naturally is to drink tea. Many people who drink tea regularly think that it makes them feel calm, relaxed, and focused. This is the magic of tea, which allows you to focus and relax without feeling tired. There’s a certain feeling of mental clarity and mental calm that you get after drinking a cup of green tea. That is where theanine comes from.

The job of this compound is to regulate neurotransmitters as they carry signals throughout your brain. Two of the most common neurotransmitters in your brain are serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters will help you feel focused and relaxed without having to rely on caffeine. Theanine does a great job of regulating these neurotransmitters. If you want to give this compound a try, then try to find some green tea. It may take you a few cups spread out over a few days before you start to notice the effects. 

On the other hand, if you don’t like the taste of tea, you may be able to find theanine as a supplement as well. Suppose you are planning on taking this compound regularly. In that case, it is a good idea to speak with a medical professional to make sure it is not going to interact with anything else that you are taking.

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6. Yerba Mate

Another important stimulant that you may want to try is called yerba mate. People have used to Yerba mate to help them break free from caffeine. This is a drink that is native to Latin America. It can provide your brain cells with the energy they need to help you stay focused on what you have to do during the day. In addition to helping you get rid of coffee, yerba mate can also provide you with several other health benefits as well.

For example, this compound contains many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants are essential because they can help your body scavenge free radicals commonly produced as a side effect of numerous body reactions. By scavenging free radicals, you can prevent your cells from developing DNA damage. This compound also provides anti-inflammatory benefits that can help you combat chronic diseases. Yerba mate will even deliver numerous amino acids that your body needs to regenerate.

Many people realize that yerba mate is relatively powerful when they try it for the first time. Importantly, you must start low and go slow. You may find that you receive all of the energy you need from just a single step or two. There are lots of varieties of this drink available. Why not try a few different types and see which one you like the best? You may find that this is what you need to finally help you get rid of that morning cup of coffee and break free from your dependence!

7. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba has received attention during the past few years. Much of Ginkgo Biloba’s attention is related to the memory-boosting effects it has on advanced age people. Even though it is true that this compound has been studied extensively and has been shown to help people improve their memory, the benefits of this compound are not limited to just its memory-boosting capabilities. The reality is that just about everyone can benefit from taking the compound regularly.

Similar to many other herbs, this compound has been a staple of Chinese medicine for many years. It grows on trees that people in Asia have been harvesting for thousands of years. Numerous beneficial compounds are present in this herb. For instance, Gingko Biloba is full of multiple antioxidants such as flavonoids and terpenoids that can help your body improve its blood circulation, protect your heart, and fight back against inflammation. It may help you live a longer life and protect the other organ systems throughout your body as well.

The real benefit of this compound comes from its effects on memory and brain function. Numerous research studies have shown that this herbal supplement can soothe anxiety, reduce the symptoms of depression, and improve your mental health as a whole. It should come as no surprise that this compound can also help you focus on a day-to-day basis. If you are thinking about giving this compound a try, it is a good idea to start with a small amount to see how it affects you. It may also be a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider about maximizing the benefits that this compound provides. You also want to make sure that this supplement will not interact with any prescription medications you might take regularly.

Stimulants may help you feel awake and alert, but they’re not the right choice for everyone. Let Noom help you choose healthy options for your body.

8. Guarana

If you have heard about guarana, there is a chance that you may have heard about it in a negative light. The good news is that it does not have to be a bad thing. In reality, guarana can help you regularly focus as long as you use it properly. This compound has a negative reputation because it has been closely tied to some energy drinks that have been shown to have adverse effects on someone’s health. If guarana is combined with many other substances and consumed in high amounts, it is not good for your body; however, too much of a good thing can be harmful, and this is not limited to guarana.

 Medical studies back this up. For example, one study took a specific look at guarana’s impact on research participants’ cognitive function. The study found that individuals who took guarana in moderate amounts improve their memory, learning, and cognitive abilities. Guarana may have the same effect on you. As a study notes, you need to make sure that you only take guarana in moderate amounts.

The compound functions as a natural herbal stimulant. It also has an antioxidant profile similar to that of green tea, meaning that it will provide you with several other health effects. On the other hand, if you end up taking too much guarana, you may find that you are developing the same impacts as a massive amount of caffeine. Like all other supplements, you need to start by taking a relatively small amount of this compound. Then, once you figure out how it affects you, you can titrate it to meet your unique needs. Of course, try to avoid this compound in energy drinks, leading to some unpleasant side effects that you would rather stay away from.

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9. Cordyceps

If you haven’t heard of this compound before, you are not alone. This is a fungus that has a unique antioxidant profile. It also has several beta-glucans and phytonutrients that can help you improve your physical and mental energy. Cordyceps is a fungus. It occurs naturally in the environment. This herbal supplement contains it has to lie no caffeine. Multiple medical studies have taken a closer look at Cordyceps and its ability to help you improve your mental health and clarity.

For example, one specific study a closer look at the mechanism of action of cordyceps. The study found that this fungus could improve both their mental and physical performance by boosting cognitive ability. The study found that cordyceps improved the amount of oxygen distributed throughout blood vessels and absorbed by the brain. If your brain has more oxygen to work, it makes sense that your cognitive function will improve. This includes your ability to focus, concentrate, and accomplish all the tasks you have to do during the day.

 If you are looking for a way to improve your physical and mental health, then cordyceps might be the answer. Cordyceps also has antioxidants that can help you fight inflammation and defend against aging. If you are looking to try cordyceps for the first time, several options are available to you. You may be able to find cordyceps at a local supplement store, or you might even find it at a local grocer. If you want to make sure that you get the most out of cordyceps, it might help meet your healthcare provider first. That way, you can figure out exactly how you will use this fungus to meet your needs.

10. Schizandrol A

Another stimulant that you may want to consider trying is called Shizandrol A. This compound comes from the plant Schisandra, a fruit that is eaten as food while also being used to make medicine. There are several benefits that this compound can provide, including increasing energy, improving physical performance, and enhancing your ability to adapt to stressful situations. During the past few years, this compound has become popular because it can prevent early aging, normalize blood sugar levels, and help people with mental focus and clarity. This compound has been used in Eastern medicine for many years to prevent certain forms of liver disease.

There is still research taking place on the benefits of this compound; however, researchers believe that many of the benefits of this compound come from its ability to help the body modulate and control its enzymatic activity. As a result, it stimulates blood flow, cell growth, and impacts oxygen usage. All of this can help you focus throughout the day without having to rely on caffeine.

Usually, people take this compound by mouth. In cases, people will combine up with ginseng to augment the benefits of both. You should then find that you could concentrate better, pay attention more, and think more quickly. You may notice that this compound helps you with your performance at the gym. It is believed that it will help people with their sense of coordination and overall endurance. Some people say that this compound will help them improve their vision; however, this is a claim that is still being researched. In the end, if you are looking for a stimulant that can provide you with a suitable alternative to caffeine, then you may want to consider going with Schizandrol A.

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11. Phenylethylamine

Phenylethylamine is a compound that is found naturally throughout the human body. It has also been made in a laboratory it can be taken as a supplement. It is prevalent because it can act as a natural stimulant in your body. Usually, this is a compound that is taken by mouth. Many people take it to improve athletic performance, treat symptoms of depression, and improve their ability to pay attention. As a result, this compound is popular as a stimulant. It can help you improve your mental focus and clarity if you take it regularly. For example, one specific study showed that this compound could specifically help people who have ADHD.

It is believed that this compound works by stimulating your brain to increase its production of certain compounds that have antidepressant effects. Some people do not naturally make enough of this compound and need to take this compound to replace their phenylethylamine levels. Many people believe this is compound has many of the same stimulant effects as medications such as Adderall and Ritalin, which are used to treat people with ADHD. As a result, it should come as no surprise that this compound can help people focus throughout the day.

It is important to note that some side effects may accompany this medication, as well. First, this supplement has the same mechanisms of action as amphetamines. It can cause anxiety, a high heart rate, and agitation. As a result, everyone must make sure they meet with a healthcare provider before taking this supplement for the first time.

12. Green Tea

If you are looking for a natural stimulant, you may want to give green tea a try. Notably, some forms of green tea do contain caffeine. Make sure that you read the label before you use it to get rid of caffeine. On the other hand, green tea can help you improve your mental performance throughout the day. There are numerous compounds and green tea that are beneficial to your health, including tannins, EGCG, and antioxidants. All of this can help you stimulate your metabolism, increasing the energy you have flowing throughout your body. Compounds in green tea are also able to cross something called the blood-brain barrier. They can have an impact on your central nervous system. Green tea has been shown to increase serotonin and GABA production, helping you reduce your anxiety, increase focus, and improve your mental clarity.

There are countless benefits that you are going to enjoy if you decide to target green tea. Green tea can help you increase your attention span, focus better, and improve your cognitive performance. Green tea might also be able to help you lose weight, protect against certain diseases, and reduce inflammation throughout your body. If you are looking for a way to replace caffeine in your diet, that you may want to consider reaching for a cup of green tea. Of course, remember that some forms of green tea do have caffeine in them. As a result, make sure that you read the label carefully. You don’t want to thank you are replacing caffeine with something else only to be adding to the caffeine in your diet. Hot tea is usually better, as bottled green tea often contains added sugar that will not benefit your health.

13. Rhodiola Rosea

Finally, you may also want to consider a compound called Rhodiola Rosea. This is a potent adaptogen. This means that it can help the body protect against certain forms of mental and physical stress. For a long time, this compound has been used in Asia to help people with various issues. It can help people increase their physical stamina, improve cognitive function, and improve their memory. Now, it is popular in the West and helps people focus on what they have to do during the day.

For example, one specific study took a closer look at this compound’s ability to help people fight against energy drops. The study found that individuals who take this compound regularly ended up with less fatigue, responded to stress better, and had more energy throughout the day. It should be able to serve as a suitable replacement for caffeine in your diet.

 Another study analyzed this compound as it relates to depression. The study found that individuals who took this compound regularly ended up with fewer symptoms of depression. If you can improve your mood, there’s a good chance that you will focus on everything you have to do during the day. This compound may be able to help you feel happier, as well.

As with other supplements, it is a good idea for you to start with a relatively low dose. Then, once you figure out how Rhodiola Rosea impacts you, you can increase the dose if you have to while also controlling any side effects that you might experience.

With Noom, you may find that healthier choices mean you don’t need to rely on caffeine and other stimulants to make it through the day. Let us teach you how to fuel your body in a healthy way.

Consider Using These Stimulants and Reduce Your Caffeine Intake

In the end, there are plenty of options available that can help can you get rid of your dependence on caffeine. There are plenty of people who depend on caffeine every day to help them wake up in the morning, focus on their work, and accomplish everything they have to do on their plate. On the other hand, this can also lead to caffeine dependence. When you develop a caffeine dependence, you are prone to developing caffeine withdrawal symptoms that may include nervousness, jitteriness, sweating, and severe headaches.

The good news is that there are also plenty of alternatives to caffeine available. Many of the supplements that are available on this list occur naturally. Some of them are even herbs that occur in the environment and can be added to foods and drinks. Some of these supplements are also sold at stores that you can find easily. Ultimately, whenever you are thinking about trying something new for the first time, it is critical to start low and go slow. Ensure that you understand how these compounds will affect you before you begin to increase your dose. Then, you’ll be able to find a suitable alternative to caffeine that will help you improve the quality of your life.