Adaptogenic Herbs

Biohacker Review: My go-to for organic herbs in Europe

I have very high standards when it comes to adaptogenic herbs. In my experience, powdered herbs are a whole lot better value than capsuled herbs.

Written by Steven Sanders

A Nootropic mushroom for risk-averse Biohackers with a wide range of cognition-enhancing effects.

Hericium Erinaceus, or the Lion’s Mane mushroom, is a unique member of the mushroom family that shows nootropic properties. The mushroom gets its name from its appearance when it reaches maturity, which looks like a Lion's Mane. This article aims to take a closer look at the Lion’s Mane mushroom. This includes what it might help with and what the science behind it says. It will also take a look at what users have to say about Lion’s Mane.

Biohacker Review: A Neurogenesis Unleashing Nootropic Mushroom

I used Lost Empire Herb's 8:1 Dual Extract Lion's Mane for about a month. It adds a pleasant earthy taste to my morning cup of steaming coffee.

• It has a subtle Nootropic effect, although as far as Adaptogens go I find Chaga or Rhodiola more stimulating. After taking it I found myself in a productive, focused headspace.
• I'm thankful to have Lion's Mane in my war chest of immuno-fortifying natural herbs, taking it I managed to avoid getting the sniffles during the cold, dry Eastern European winter here in Bulgaria.
• I can't speak much to its Neurogenesis effects, I suspect I'd have to take it for longer for these effects to become apparent.

Biohacker Review: Sedation in a tasty solution!

Recently, I've been taking two teaspoons of this velvety sedating solution before bed with my wife. And, this is one supplement that you "feel" - it, no doubt, has a relaxing effect. I get to sleep consistently within 10 minutes after lights out in the Roseland bed chamber. My wife falls asleep even faster, and often, I make it less than a minute into this bedtime story that I'm coming up with before she nods off.

When I do an intermittent period of no booze, I like to have something to take the edge off at dinner. Often, I'll sip a Phenibut infoceutical, but a few teaspoons mixed in a glass of water also work.

Biohacker Review: A sensation enhancer

The more reading I did on Horny Goat Weed, the more curious I got about trying it myself and finally punched the buy now button.

The good news is...
It definitely improves the sensation of sex and masturbation but not to the extent that I think I'll order it again. For example, if you Horny Goat Wood before having protected sex with a condom it's not going to make it feel like you are having unprotected sex. I didn't find it to be that big of a difference in sensation but it is noticeable and pleasant.

Some of the studies I read lead me to believe that the Icariin, the active ingredient in Horny Goat Weed, is a cognitive enhancer. I didn't experience this at all.

Practicing no fap while taking Horny Goat Weed is a recipe for being very horny, I can see why they used to put skirts around table legs. However, it didn't noticeably boost my testosterone levels nor did it make much of difference in my level of energy and productivity.

Supports Hormonal Vitality-Suitable For Men And Women!

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum/E. brevicorum) is an ornamental plant that also has a long history of traditional use in Chinese herbalism. It was viewed as a kidney/adrenal tonic that was used for male sexual health and hormonal balance in both men and women. Epimedium was thought to "tonify life's gate" - a term used to refer to the "vital energy" in men. NOW Horny Goat Weed Extract is standardized to 10% Icariin and is combined with Maca, another vitality herb.

Biohacker Review: Siberian Ginseng will bring out the Genghis Khan in you!

This is my review of Eleuthero by Superman Herbs, which is now called Lost Empire Herbs, which is actually a rebranding that I dislike. I'll explain why later.

I've been using Eleuthero (often referred to as Siberian Ginseng), which is a performance-enhancing herb, for a little over a year now; this 100-gram package has lasted me that long, which is pretty impressive! There are a lot of herbal performance enhancement millage from a supplement that costs about $40.

Biohacker Review: An energizing herbal alternative to coffee

I've been using the Adaptogens Rhodiola, Eleuthero, and Schisandra together for a month now. I've been taking them first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach with my big ass bottle of tea.

I've discovered that consuming the Adaptogens as a tea is a whole lot more of a Nootropic experience. I've begun starting my mornings with a tea that is equal parts of the three powdered herbs.

Micro Ingredients in the USA offers lab-tested, organic Schisandra powder - the tastiest form!

Biohacker Review: A Full-Spectrum Yellow Herb

Lately, Pine Pollen has been adding some extra Adaptogenic awesomeness to my steaming cup of Adaptogenic tea.Frankly, I'm not sure what direct effects I can credit to the Pine Pollen. I was using it alongside other Adaptogens and mushrooms, Schisandra, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Horny Goat Weed.

• Taking these herbs I stayed healthy during the chilly Eastern European winter (and managed not to get Coronavirus!)
• The other major benefit I credit to these herbs is libido enhancement. The chief challenge in marriage (or long-term relationships) is keeping the flame alive. Staying excited about getting naked together. Sex often becomes a chore as the years go by, even for otherwise healthy, younger couples. I wake up every morning excited to see my wife.
• Powdered it doesn't taste bad, in fact, it doesn't taste like much. It has a pleasant subtle scent.
• I wouldn't categorize Pine Pollen as a classic Nootropic, I don't note much of an uptick in my cognition, problem-solving, and energy levels on it.

Based on the science, I regard it as an enabler of antifragility.

Biohacker Review: A calming cognitive enhancer

The herb Bacopa Monnieri (which I'll refer to simply as Bacopa from now on), is a Nootropic ingredient that you're probably used to seeing on the labels of Nootropic stacks but in this Biohacker review (and scientific overview) I'll break down why it's actually worth isolating and trying on its own.

Biohacker Review: Gents, start your sex hacking with Horny Goat Weed

Perhaps you're enticed by the idea of sex hacking but just a little confused about where you should dive in; taking libido-enhancing supplements, practicing tantric semen-retention techniques, or experimenting with some of the questionable tech and gadgets you've seen advertised. I'll simplify things; start by taking the herb Epimedium, which also goes by the name Horny Goat Weed. What can you look forward to from it...

• Stronger, harder, longer-lasting erections. You could sort of think of it as herbal Viagra.
• Sensation enhancement; your dick is going to feel better when you give it what it wants. You'll be a bit more sensitive but if you're like many herbal hackers, counter-intuitively your ejaculatory control won't totally go out the window.
• Mood enhancement; 20-30 minutes after taking enough you'll be taken by a bit of rowdy adolescent excitement and anticipation about the romp to come.
• Taken regularly it will have an uplifting effect on your testosterone and male essence. You'll be a bit more interested in the fairer sex and unapologetically masculine.

A caveat; Horny Goat Weed is not exactly herbal Viagraand it should be used as part of a holistic manly health regime. If you eat too much, drink too much, don't get enough sleep, or watch too much porn Horny Goat Weed may not save you from whiskey dick. 

Biohacker Review: Tongkat Ali MAY make you a mischievous CAT

This is a general-purpose Adaptogenic mushroom but it has a couple of defects as a Nootropic that the Eastern medicine men, hippie herbalists, and new age gurus are not telling you about...

Pure Nootropics in the USA offers lab-verified Reishi Mushroom Powder - the most economical form.

Biohacker Review: A Sublime Anxiolytic

First impressions of Reishi, it smells magical, 300 milligrams taken as a tea produces a sublimely pleasant anxiolytic effect. I really liked the relaxed and stress-free headspace it produced. Typically, I take a few grams of Ashwagandha before bed but after taking the Reishi I didn't need to. I read for about 15 minutes, fell asleep quickly, and slept deeply.

I had heard from various places around the internet that Reishi is a mushroom for spiritual enlightenment, which sounds totally corny, but on Reishi, I have a subtle sense of relaxed arousal, tranquility, and optimism. I had sex on the stuff once, I think it might be something of a libido promoter but Horny Goat Weed will remain my go-to sex hacks. I wouldn't describe it as a classic sleep hack that knocks you out and puts you to sleep, it just makes you really relaxed which is conducive to sleep or hanging out a reading a book.

The 15-gram package I shared with my wife and went through in about a week. I think I'd have to take more to evaluate the stuff as a long term immune hack. If I try Reishi in the future, I'll get a larger package more.

I did try some Reishi from another source, cheaper stuff and it wasn't as good as Lost Empire's stuff. It didn't taste as magical nor did it have such a sublime tranquilizing effect - quality matter with herbs!

The most credible source of this form that I've identified is Reishi Organic 16:1 Dual Extract sold by Lost Empire Herbs in the USA.

This adaptogenic herbal stimulant has been used as an energy-boosting agent in Russia and China for centuries. It balances the autonomic nervous system, enhancing stress-management capacity, empowering the immune system, and combating fatigue.

Having read several books and numerous studies about herbal adaptogens, I can name Rhodiola as the best herbal adaptogen. If you want to take one herb to enhance your overall health, this is it.

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries and validated for its beneficial effects on energy production and reduction of fatigue.

• MAX SALIDROSIDE CONTENT 3% - Double Wood’s Rhodiola extract contains 3% of the active ingredient which is the Salidrosides. Most Rhodiola extracts contain 1% or less Salidrosides.
• ORGANIC, NATURAL, VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, AND NON-GMO – Double Wood’s Rhodiola extract is manufactured to be the purest and most natural extract money can buy.
• MADE IN THE USA AND TESTED FOR PURITY – Our Rhodiola Supplement is manufactured right here in New York. Testing is available upon request
• SUPPORTS STRESS TOLERANCE AND PROMOTES MENTAL ENERGY – Rhodiola is an adaptogen compound that promotes mental / physical energy levels. Studies show it may also support healthy stress levels.
• BECOME YOUR BEST SELF - Rhodiola promotes physical and mental energy levels so you can think your best and be your best.

Biohacker Review: Why NOT all Rhodiola is created equal...

My Biohacker review of Rhodiola Rosea tablets - I explain my criteria for selecting Rhodiola and why I take it daily along with synopsizing some of the recent science that's been done on this Adaptogen.

Biohacker Review: The tastiest Nootropic!

I've been using the Adaptogens Rhodiola, Eleuthero, and Schisandra together for a month now. I've been taking them first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach with my big ass bottle of tea.

A delicious five-flavored Adaptogen that has been used for thousands of years to Biohack Yin and Yang.

Schisandra Chinensis is a notable herbal cofactor that enables the body to process other supplements and drugs.