If you feel tired, exhausted, or fatigued most of the time, there is a good chance you may have a vitamin deficiency. Or perhaps you need a little help to get your body back on track. Using herbs to give you an energy boost and support your body’s natural processes is a great way to battle fatigue. It is also a great way to feel more energized and have more vitality throughout your day.
If you are looking for the best herbs to add to your afternoon smoothie, to include in your supplement routine, or to include in your next recipe, these are the best energy-boosting herbs out there. Here are the top seven herbs to help you get your energy back.
1.Ginseng
Ginseng has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and it is known to promote vitality and alertness. Ginseng can help reduce stress, which may be contributing to your fatigue, as well. Ginseng’s powerful antioxidants can help boost your immune system, providing you with the more ammunition to fight any infections or pathogens that could also be contributing to your feelings of fatigue.
2. Astragalus
Another popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine is astragalus. This herb is not only anti-inflammatory, but it also provides extra energy. Depending on the cause of your fatigue, lowering inflammation can be beneficial to those battling constant tiredness. Astragalus’ natural energy booster can help you over a slump in your day, as well, without the side effects of caffeine and other compounds.
3. Maca Root
Sometimes, fatigue is the result of a hormone imbalance or insufficient regulation of your body’s functions from your endocrine system. Maca root, which is native to South America, contains B-vitamins and can help regulate all your hormones. B-vitamins are needed for the proper function of all your endocrine glands, which tell your other body systems what to do, and they can also provide you with extra energy when you need it.
4. Alfalfa
This is another excellent herb for regulating your hormones. Alfalfa is known for promoting hormone production, which will keep all your systems working smoothly, and it boosts your appetite, which will also give you more stamina to get through your day.
5. Licorice Root
When you under stress, your body produces cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. In short bursts, this cortisol is helpful for giving you the energy you need to cope with the source of your stress. Licorice root promotes the production of cortisol, which can energize you and help combat fatigue. Licorice root also reduces your cravings for caffeine and sweets, which both can cause an energy slump after the initial bump.
6. Valerian Root
Valerian is an excellent sleep aid, which can be helpful when you need more rest to combat your fatigue. This herb is often found in chamomile tea, and it works to calm your nerve cells and produce an anti-anxiety effect that can be helpful when you are under stress. It is also wonderful for helping you get better quality rest, which can provide you with the energy you need.
7. St. John’s Wort
For many, fatigue is the result of untreated depression or other mental health disorder. St. John’s wort is an excellent, natural antidepressant that can help you combat the mental health problems that are causing you to feel fatigued. St. John’s wort has been used to treat depression and provide a mental boost to those in need for hundreds of years.
Depending on the source of your fatigue, various herbal remedies can be effective at treating the cause as well as providing you with extra energy and stamina throughout your day. While some herbal remedies are useful on their own, others work best in conjunction with one another, so try out several until you find the combination that works best for you.
Deika King, TND, MH, CCT, PSc.D
Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy
832-422-7271
