Boost NAD⁺ Naturally with Herbs
How to Support NAD⁺ Naturally with Herbs
You’ve probably heard about NAD⁺ by now. It’s the molecule everyone’s chasing for its anti-aging, energy, metabolism, detox, brain health, and longevity.
And while NAD⁺ truly is that important, the hype around expensive supplements and IV infusions has most people overlooking the obvious:
Your body already knows how to make NAD⁺.
NAD+ production declines in the body with age, which has individuals looking for outside sources to supplement.
But, as common in the supplement market, many supplements aren’t doing much at all.
First, let’s break it down—What actually is NAD⁺ and why is it so popular?
NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell. It’s essential for:
- Turning food into energy (ATP)
- Repairing DNA and damaged cells
- Activating sirtuins (longevity proteins)
- Liver detoxification
- Regulating your circadian rhythm
As we age—or as our toxic load, stress levels, or inflammation rise—NAD⁺ levels drop. And when they drop, we feel it: fatigue, fog, poor recovery, early aging.
So what’s wrong with NAD+ supplements? Many of them are either not actually NAD+ at all or they don’t work.
You’ve probably seen these ingredients marketed as NAD+:
- NR (nicotinamide riboside, a precursor to NAD+)
- NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide, another precursor)
- NAD⁺ IV drips or injections (a reliable form of NAD+)
These *can* work—but most oral forms are quite expensive, and often are broken down before reaching the cell. In other words, conversion isn’t guaranteed with expensive oral supplements.
IVs DO work, but they are expensive, much more than supplements, and often are superfluous or impractical for the average household.
So, if oral supplements aren’t really that beneficial, and IVs are impractical, what is the solution?
It’s simple. Your body knows how to make NAD+. You simply need to support your body in doing what it already knows how to do.
How to Support Your Body’s Natural NAD⁺ Levels with Herbs
NAD⁺ is made from two primary precursors:
- Vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide)
- Tryptophan (an amino acid)
These precursors require magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C to help the process along as well, but for simplicity’s sake, let’s focus on the two primary building blocks, especially since many of the herbs that contain these precursors also contain the cofactors, thanks to Nature’s Vital Intelligence.
Herbs can help your body make these precursors AND help you use the NAD+ your body makes more efficiently.
Part One: Help Your Body Make More NAD⁺
These herbs help your body build NAD⁺ from the ground up by providing precursors, boosting production enzymes, or increasing metabolic efficiency.
Nettle Leaf
High in B vitamins, including niacin (B3), plus magnesium and iron. Supports detox and remineralization—foundational for mitochondrial health.
Dandelion Leaf
Contains modest B3 and supports liver pathways where NAD⁺ is regenerated. Helps clear metabolic waste and keeps things moving.
Gynostemma (Jiaogulan)
Activates AMPK, the master energy sensor that upregulates NAD⁺ biosynthesis. Promotes healthy metabolism, endurance, and blood sugar balance.
Astragalus
Rich in polysaccharides and immune-modulating compounds. Helps build cellular integrity and NAD⁺ reserves by protecting telomeres and aiding repair processes.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Contains tryptophan, supporting NAD⁺ via the kynurenine pathway. Regulates cortisol, keeping your system in a state where NAD⁺ production is possible.
Ashwagandha
A good source of tryptophan, plus deep support for thyroid, adrenal, and nervous system health. Helps regulate the systems that NAD⁺ is most active in.
Part Two: Help Your Body Keep the NAD⁺ It’s Already Making
These herbs reduce NAD⁺ loss by addressing the biggest sources of depletion: oxidative stress, inflammation, sleep deprivation, and chronic nervous system activation.
Reishi Mushroom
Deeply calming and regulating. Supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and enhances mitochondrial resilience.
Schisandra
A potent antioxidant herb that protects cellular membranes and mitochondrial structures. Reduces free radical damage that burns through NAD⁺.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Improves ATP production, helping you get more energy from less NAD⁺ demand. Boosts stamina and lung oxygenation while preserving mitochondrial function.
Licorice Root
Strengthens the adrenal and nervous system. Keeps the stress response in check, helping avoid NAD⁺ overuse during chronic fight-or-flight.
With these herbs on your side, you can make NAD+ AND keep it, no expensive injections required.
You can take all the precursors in the world, but if your lifestyle is draining, your NAD⁺ will always feel low.
Herbs offer the full picture. They nourish what’s depleted, they buffer what’s overactivated, and they support the systems that build and protect your energy at the root.
NAD+ Starter Packs:
Each of the blends below includes a thoughtfully curated mix of herbs that are either rich in vitamin B3 or tryptophan, support detox and mitochondrial health, or help protect the NAD⁺ you’ve already made. Choose one based on what your body is asking for, or stack them for full-spectrum support.
Fuel Up Pack for low energy, metabolic drag, and brain fog
Fortress Chai (Gynostemma, Cordyceps, Licorice)
ZING (Tulsi, Vitamin C)
Schisandra
Clean Up Crew (Dandelion leaf + other b3 rich ingredients)
Rebuild and Restore Pack for chronic depletion, stress, hormone imbalance
Detox & Chill (Dandelion, Reishi, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Licorice)
Immune Guard (Tulsi, Astragalus)
Reishi Mushroom
Iron & copper (Nettle, Vitamin C )