5 Natural Nootropics You Can Add to Your Morning Routine

In a world running on caffeine and deadlines, mental clarity is the new luxury. More people are swapping their second (or third) cup of coffee for something smarter: natural nootropics.

But what exactly are nootropics?

Nootropics—also known as "smart drugs" or cognitive enhancers—are natural or synthetic substances that support brain function. They are used to improve memory, focus, creativity, motivation, and overall mental performance. While some nootropics are pharmaceuticals, many come from natural sources like herbs, roots, and fungi. Natural nootropics work more gently with the body and are often incorporated into traditional medicine systems, ranging from Ayurveda to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The best part? You can easily blend them into your morning routine. Whether you stir them into your coffee, blend them into a smoothie, or chew them on the go, these natural nootropics are here to help you start your day with focus and intention.

At DIRTEA, we believe in pairing ancient wisdom with modern science. Here are five natural nootropics you can add to your mornings—featuring our mushroom powders, functional blends, and infused gummies.

 

1. Lion’s Mane: The Focus Mushroom

Historically used by monks and herbalists, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is known as the brain-boosting mushroom. It has been studied for its potential to support memory, focus, and brain health, thanks to naturally occurring compounds like hericenones and erinacines.

Lion’s Mane is a standout in the nootropic world for its ability to support the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), (1) which plays a key role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. A healthy nervous system is essential for cognitive performance, emotional balance, and mental clarity.

At DIRTEA, we’ve taken this centuries-old remedy and made it easy to drink or chew:

• DIRTEA Lion’s Mane Powder: 100% fruiting body extract + infused with organic zinc for cognitive and immune support. Stir it into your morning tea, coffee, or smoothie for clean mental clarity.

• DIRTEA Focus Gummies: Apple-flavoured, zero sugar, and packed with 2,400mg of Lion’s Mane, plus Vitamins B12 and B5—nutrients that support psychological function, mental performance, and reduce fatigue.

Perfect for: Brain fog, multitasking, busy mornings

 

2. Cordyceps: The Natural Energy Kick

Skip the crash and meet Cordyceps, a functional mushroom traditionally used to boost vitality and performance. Modern research has linked Cordyceps to supporting endurance, sustained energy, and improved performance. (2)

Cordyceps is often associated with natural vitality and endurance. When combined with Vitamin B12, which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, this duo offers gentle support for physical and mental energy. While caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, Cordyceps is believed to support the body’s natural energy processes at a cellular level, making it a popular addition to morning routines and pre-workout rituals.

Our energising duo:

• DIRTEA Cordyceps Powder: Packed with pure extract and infused with Vitamin B12, known to support energy-yielding metabolism and reduce tiredness. It’s the perfect pre-workout or coffee upgrade.

• DIRTEA Performance Gummies: Convenient Cordyceps in gummy form, with natural mixed berries flavour, zero sugar and Vitamin  B3, B5, and C. Each serving delivers a functional dose to help you help reduce fatigue, maintain vitality, and support endurance.

Perfect for: Morning workouts, back-to-back meetings, energy slumps

 

3. DIRTEA Matcha Blend: Calm Focus in a Cup

Caffeine doesn’t have to come with anxiety. Our DIRTEA Matcha Blend combines the best of ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha with Lion’s Mane and Tremella mushrooms. Think: clean, focused energy, without the crash.

Matcha contains L-theanine, a unique amino acid that helps to promote calm alertness. Add to that the cognitive benefits of Lion’s Mane and the skin-boosting properties of Tremella, and you’ve got a powerful daily ritual in a single mug.

Infused with a full-spectrum B vitamin complex—including B6, B12, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid—this blend supports mental performance, energy, and even your skin, hair, and nails.

The taste? Smooth, slightly creamy, and earthy with a hint of sweetness—delicious hot or iced.

Perfect for: Replacing your morning latte, supporting focus and beauty

 

4. Chaga: The Immune + Antioxidant Defender

While not a classic nootropic, Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) plays a supporting role in mental clarity by protecting your body’s cells from oxidative stress. A resilient immune system and steady energy can go a long way in keeping you mentally sharp.

Chaga is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to support immune health and vitality. Antioxidants help protect brain cells from free radical damage, a crucial factor in maintaining cognitive longevity.

• DIRTEA Chaga Powder: Earthy and rich, this mushroom is infused with Vitamin B12 for immune and energy support—a daily defence ritual in your mug.

• DIRTEA Immunity Gummies: Zesty lemon-flavoured gummies packed with Chaga, Vitamin C and Zinc—three powerhouse ingredients to help protect cells and support immune function.

Perfect for: Busy schedules, immune defence, skin glow

5. Mushroom Coffee with Ashwagandha: The Adaptogenic Brew

Start your day with a smarter brew. The DIRTEA Mushroom Coffee Super Blend combines the richness of premium instant coffee with the cognitive power of Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga, plus the adaptogenic calm of Ashwagandha—a revered root in Ayurvedic medicine known to support stress resilience and hormonal balance.

Ashwagandha is a natural nootropic in its own right. It has been studied for its ability to lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and support cognitive performance under stress. (3) When paired with functional mushrooms, the result is a coffee that doesn’t just wake you up—it brings mental stamina and focus without the usual coffee crash.

Infused with B Vitamins, this blend supports nervous system health, energy metabolism, and cognitive performance—all in one deliciously smooth, earthy cup.

Perfect for: Busy mornings, coffee lovers, stress resilience

 

How to Build a Nootropic Morning Ritual

Creating a morning nootropic routine isn’t about overhauling your entire lifestyle—it’s about simple, intentional swaps that fuel your brain and body.

Here’s a sample DIRTEA-inspired ritual:

Mix and match based on what your body needs—whether it’s clarity, calm, stamina, and vitality.

 

Why Natural Nootropics?

Unlike synthetic stimulants, natural nootropics work with your body, not against it. They often offer a synergistic blend of benefits, supporting not just mental performance but also immunity, energy, stress response, and long-term wellness.

At DIRTEA, all our powders and gummies are:

• Made from 100% fruiting body extract
• Third-party tested
• Free from fillers and sugars
• Infused with essential vitamins and minerals
• Designed for daily use as part of a holistic wellness routine

By integrating these nootropics into your morning routine, you're not only supporting your focus and productivity but also investing in your long-term health and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Your brain does so much for you—return the favour with a ritual that sharpens your focus, elevates your energy, and supports long-term wellbeing. Whether you prefer a hot cup of mushroom matcha or an on-the-go gummy, DIRTEA’s natural nootropics help you rise with purpose and stay in your zone.

Because how you start your day matters.

 

FAQs

1. Can I take more than one DIRTEA product in the same morning?
A: Yes! Our powders, blends and gummies are formulated to work together safely. For example, you can pair Lion’s Mane with Tremella powder or take Chaga and Cordyceps gummies together.

2. Are DIRTEA products safe for daily use?
A: Absolutely. All our products are third-party tested, made from high-quality mushroom extracts, and infused with compliant vitamin levels suitable for daily use.

3. Are DIRTEA products safe for daily use?
A: Absolutely. All our products are third-party tested, made from high-quality mushroom extracts, and infused with compliant vitamin levels suitable for daily use.

4. Are your mushroom powders safe to use with other supplements?
A: In most cases, yes. DIRTEA powders and gummies are made from natural ingredients and infused with vitamins in safe daily amounts. However, if you're taking medications or already on the same vitamins and high-dose supplements, it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider.

5. What’s the difference between DIRTEA powders and gummies?
A: The powders are 100% fruiting body mushroom extracts with infused vitamins—perfect for blending into drinks. Gummies are convenient, tasty, and offer functional doses of mushrooms with targeted vitamin blends for specific needs, such as focus, immunity, or beauty.

6. Can I take DIRTEA nootropics on an empty stomach?
A: Yes. Most people tolerate them well on an empty stomach, especially Lion’s Mane and Chaga. However, if you’re new to mushrooms, you may want to start with food if you're sensitive.

7. How long does it take to feel the benefits?
A: Some people notice effects (like focus or calm) within 30–60 minutes, especially with Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps. For deeper, long-term benefits, consistent daily use over 2–4 weeks is ideal.

 

References

1. Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N& Malek SN. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's Mane medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6), 539–546. doi:10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v15.i6.60. PMID: 24266378

2. Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. (2017). Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(1), 42–53. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386. 

3. WebMD Editorial Team. (2025, January). Ashwagandha - Uses, Side Effects, And More. WebMD. Available at: WebMD. Summary of uses, evidence for stress and anxiety reduction, sleep support, inflammation, and cognitive enhancement