Mucuna

Mucuna is a phenomenal creeping vine that can be found growing in many tropical regions of the world including India, the Caribbean and many areas of Africa to name but a few. This vine has earned itself a phenomenal name as a herbalist's best friend as a nootropic medicine. Mucuna has many amazing benefits:

1. Management of stress and anxiety levels
2. Improves focus
3. Elevates mood
4. Neuroprotective
5. Aids in treating Parkinson’s disease

Dosage:

• 1-2 tsp per day 
• Best taken in the morning
• If you are taking medication for depression and concentration check the interaction with your health professional.

Mucuna seeds contains tryptamines, polyphenols and tannins and are thus far the only known naturally occurring sources of L-Dopa - the precursor to dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that is essential for sleep, memory, mood, mental functions, and calming the nervous system. The presence of L-Dopa makes Mucuna a vital ally for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease - nerve cells that produce dopamine in the brain slowly break down or die. People with this disease have lowered levels of dopamine, which causes abnormal brain activity. L-Dopa has been proven to cross the blood - brain barrier and undergo conversion to dopamine, therefore restoring neurotransmission. 

Mucuna doesn’t only affect dopamine, various studies also show increases in two more
key neurotransmitters that affect mood: serotonin and norepinephrine - making this bean a great alternative for those suffering from lack of motivation, sex drive, and depression.