Mood can be defined as a temporary state of mind or feeling. Generally, we either have a good mood or a bad one. Our emotional state is affected by various factors, such as environmental factors, people around us, or our psychological condition.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that one is psychologically ill just because of his bad mood or temper, but one of the reasons a person is always in a bad mood can be his psychological state of mind.
There are different neurotransmitters in the brain affecting our behaviors, the way we feel, and our mood. Different medical conditions and other factors can affect the neurotransmitters of the brain that are associated with pleasure, happiness and excitement, such as dopamine and serotonin.
A decrease in the levels of these neurotransmitters can cause a person to be in a bad mood. Mood problems are serious conditions and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are various natural supplements that are thought to be effective remedies for mood enhancement.
Table of Contents
1. Ashwagandha
The first on our list of natural mood enhancers is ashwagandha. Ashwagandha has been in practice as an Ayurvedic remedy for varieties of different mental and physical conditions for centuries.
Anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties are highly beneficial to the brain as they preserve brain cells from damage and also promote long-term cognitive health. Ashwagandha has also been known to reduce stress, and anxiety and uplift the mood.
The benefits of ashwagandha can be enjoyed by everyone. While it shows great improvement in patients with cognitive impairments and other physical conditions, normal people can enjoy the benefits just as much.
With its variety of different benefits, ashwagandha promotes a healthier mind and body. This herb helps in promoting a light and happy mood in a number of different ways. Its effects such as reduction of anxiety, stress relief, easier relaxation, and energy motivation assist in achieving a happier mood.
2. Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna pruriens is a bean that grows on trees. This bean consists of serotonin on the surface, which is why it’s very itchy to touch. This natural remedy is also a good source of L-dopa. L-dopa is a dopamine precursor which is also used to treat Parkinson’s disease (with another compound known as carbidopa).
The major effects of this herb are seen at the serotonin and dopamine levels of the brain. These neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of excitement and happiness, so a rise in their levels aids in elevation of the mood. Supplement of this bean is also used as an anti-depressant, testosterone booster, and libido booster.
Along with increasing the levels of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, extracts of this bean also help to remove neurotoxic quinines and protect the brain from damage. A healthier brain promotes a positive mood.
3. 5 HTP/L-Tryptophan
5-HTP is the acronym for 5-hydroxytryptophan. It’s a naturally occurring substance and is derived from the seed of a West African medicinal plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
One of the most vital benefits of this chemical is its benefits as an immediate precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin.
5-HTP, taken as a supplement, converts into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is among the primary neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for a variety of important functions of the human body such as cardiovascular function, appetite, memory, sleep, learning, sexual behavior, muscle contraction, and mood.
Due to this, 5-HTP is effective in taking care of various conditions like general mood, anxiety, depression, insomnia, PMS, weight loss, migraines, and similar conditions by restoring and improving serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin levels are found to be down when a person’s mood is low or imbalanced. So, 5-HTP can be a direct influence on mood enhancement.
4. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a natural nootropic and adaptogen that is mainly marketed for its healing properties. This plant is generally found at high altitudes, and its extracts are used as supplements due to their many benefits. A few of its benefits include reduction of fatigue, concentration boost, stress relief, and improvement in mood.
Various studies have been conducted to learn about this plant. Until now, researchers have managed to identify up to 140 different chemical compounds, including organic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, rosavin, and phenols. Supplements of this plant are also thought to be possible as a natural alternative to Adderall.
All benefits aside, its major benefits include energy boost and uplifting the mood. The latter is almost instantaneous, and over the long-term supplementation of Rhodiola rosea, there have been massive improvements in the general mood of users. The effects have been found to be long-term, without any feelings of sudden crashes and jitters once the effect wears off.
5. L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that is naturally present in tea, such as Matcha, which has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. This chemical has a vast amount of benefits, which are backed by scientific and clinical tests.
L-theanine effects on cognitive performance are most clear when it’s paired with caffeine. The two have been found to work synergistically.
It also has its own benefits even when taken as a supplement without caffeine. Among its major benefits are promoting relaxation, increase in focus and attention, stress relief, and above all, elevation of mood.
L-theanine provides a sense of productivity and relief, which is helpful in uplifting the mood. Since this chemical counters the side effects of coffee, you don’t have to worry about any signs of jitters or crashes once the effect wears off.
Final Words
These aren’t the only natural supplements out there that can enhance your mood. But, whatever supplements you may try, keep in mind that there’s no guarantee every supplement will work for you.
You might need to try a few of them or look at the top brain supplements before you find the one that’s able to lift your mood just right.
