Some herbs can help keep you feeling energetic and focused when combined with healthy diet, sleep and exercise habits. But be wary – certain supplements may have harmful side effects or interact with certain medications in harmful ways.
Svetlana Stivi of Parsley Health Los Angeles notes that adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola reduce both mental and physical fatigue. Schisandra may increase energy levels while acting as a stress reliever – though more research needs to be conducted before making such claims.
Sage
Sage is an evergreen perennial herb of the mint family and closely related to lavender. With multiple medicinal, culinary, and ceremonial uses that span from aromatherapy use in aromatherapy sessions to being taken orally as a herbal tea supplement, sage has long been recognized for its ability to soothe anxiety and depression symptoms as well as menstrual cramp relief and promote feelings of well-being and relaxation.
Sage is an effective antibacterial, and studies have demonstrated its ability to decrease tumor size in cancer patients. Furthermore, it helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as alleviating symptoms associated with colds, flus, or respiratory infections. Sage can even act as an anti-inflammatory.
This herb can also help improve memory and mental clarity, help treat insomnia, and its relaxing aroma can aid treatment of it. When burned as incense it purifies the air while eliminating odors; additionally it increases energy and alertness levels while acting as an antidepressant natural remedy.
Sage can be consumed as tea, applied topically to the scalp and throat to treat dandruff or used for mouth ulcers, sore throats or gum diseases. Pregnant women and those taking medications that interact with it, including anticonvulsant drugs and antidepressants should consult a healthcare provider prior to using sage for health reasons.
Guarana
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is an Amazon basin native climbing plant with stimulant, anticancer, and potential chemopreventive properties. It contains caffeine and theobromine – two important phytochemicals which mimic coffee bean’s effects – making this herb useful as an energy booster, appetite suppressant, cognitive enhancer and cognitive booster. Furthermore, guarana may reduce cancer-related fatigue or anorexia, though more studies must be performed to ascertain its efficacy.
One small study demonstrated the efficacy of guarana extract on breast cancer patients’ fatigue and mood, while another evaluated how multivitamins combined with guarana reduced fatigue significantly in yet another. Potential hepatoprotective benefits may also exist from the plant, with mixed results from one particular research paper; hence it is important to read label details carefully for any added ingredients and warnings about high doses which could cause severe side effects.
Guarana contains methylxanthines which may stimulate the central nervous system and may have antidepressant and sedative properties, in addition to polyphenols and tannins which offer numerous health benefits, including decreasing age-related macular degeneration which causes vision loss for older individuals as well as protecting against free radical damage that damages DNA and increases cancer risks.
Guarana can be taken safely in small doses; however, larger amounts may lead to serious side effects, including tremors and jitteriness. Furthermore, certain medications should not be combined with it; thus avoid using it if you suffer from heart issues, take medication for depression, high blood pressure or seizures, pregnant/breastfeeding women are advised not to consume guarana; it’s also not advised while breastfeeding – reading labels carefully can reveal products marked “USP after ingredient name,” as this indicates they meet standards set forth by US Pharmacopoeia.
Shilajit
Shilajit, an aromatic substance found in high-altitude mountain ranges that forms over time through the gradual decomposition of plant matter and minerals, seeps through rock fissures mainly in the Himalayas, Altai Mountains and Gilgit-Baltistan regions in Pakistan. Shilajit is thought to have several health benefits and used as an energy booster – in particular by improving mitochondrial function which creates energy production centers in cells; additionally it is said to contain antiviral and antimicrobial properties as well.
An animal study from 2012 demonstrated how Shilajit could help treat chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and protecting mitochondrial enzyme activity and membrane potential, thus reducing oxidative stress2. Shilajit is also recognized for supporting hormonal balance during menstruation, perimenopause and menopause as well as increasing testosterone levels.
Shilajit’s ability to aid mineral absorption, specifically calcium and magnesium, supports bone strength and fortification – potentially aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis during menopause when estrogen levels decline. Furthermore, this powerful antioxidant can also help protect heart disease while its antiviral and antimicrobial properties may also assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Shilajit is considered safe to take, though it’s essential that users source a reputable, purified product. A pea-sized amount can be taken orally and easily mixed in hot herbal tea, juice or milk; capsules provide an easy and precise method for dosing, with starting with small doses gradually increasing to determine tolerance and effectiveness. Shilajit supplements typically include calcium, magnesium, phosphorous potassium iron zinc copper selenium selenium as well as humic acid among other vitamins and minerals.
Schisandra
Schisandra, native to northeast China, is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to nurture kidneys and enhance energy (qi). The fruit’s astringent texture provides nourishment to kidneys as well as increasing mental alertness; additionally it’s widely mixed with other berries for herbal tinctures or extracts while its dried form can also be taken daily in doses of 20-30 drops.
Schisandra is widely recognized as an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adapt to stress. Furthermore, it serves as a liver protectant and stimulant of the central nervous system, as well as being beneficial to brain function, fighting fatigue and relieving anxiety/depression. Schisandra contains active chemicals called lignans which have many therapeutic uses including antioxidant effects while others demonstrate anti-inflammatory and sedative qualities.
This herb serves as an endocrine-balancing tonic, meaning it helps regulate hormone levels within the body and may reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women, regulate ovarian and testicular function and support fertility – in turn making it a fantastic fertility aid. Furthermore, its soothing qualities nourish heart health while calming spirits.
Schisandra is an excellent source of vitamin C and boasts a very high fiber content, making it safe when taken in small doses. However, certain medications could interact with it adversely and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking it at the same time as these medicines to thin the blood.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps (caterpillar fungus) has quickly gained the attention of health-minded consumers as a natural way to boost energy. Due to powerful compounds like cordycepin and adenosine found within this herb, cordyceps has been demonstrated to increase oxygen uptake while improving athletic performance as well as helping regulate blood sugar levels and manage blood pressure levels. Furthermore, cordyceps is considered an adaptogen meaning it helps the body cope with stress and fatigue more efficiently.
Studies on the pharmacological effects of Cordyceps militaris have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, and antioxidant properties – making it an effective herbal remedy for conditions such as asthma and chronic hepatitis. Furthermore, these properties help stimulate secretion of nitric oxide which works to decrease inflammation levels further still. Furthermore, studies have also shown how Cordyceps can inhibit cancer cell growth and act as a natural adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent.
Increased production of cytokines responsible for fighting cell damage and strengthening immunity; acts as mild stimulant; enhances body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Stimulates liver, kidneys, and improves blood circulation.
Cordyceps may help prevent premature aging and improve digestion and sleep quality, making it an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle. You can take cordyceps either capsule form or as a tonic, and it should always be reviewed before beginning a new supplement regimen – it is also advised that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers avoid using cordyceps supplements, since each plant contains distinct chemicals which have various therapeutic effects; such as the high concentration of ginsenosides found in ginseng for instance which have many health advantages.
