When your energy level is low, you fail to concentrate on your tasks and it eventually affects your performance. In fact, it can even lead to depression, anxiety and overstress, which can further cause hypertension, heart diseases and other ailments. Therefore, it is important for you to maintain a good energy level throughout the day.
Eating a protein-rich diet and doing regular exercise are the two main components to boost your energy level. In addition to that, you can also take certain herbs to further enhance your ability to sustain mental and physical activities for a prolonged period. Following are some of the most popular herbs for energy.
11 Herbs For Energy
Yerba MateÂ
Yerba mate is not just rich in amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and caffeine, but it also contains two powerful stimulants – theophylline and theobromine. Its combined effect is very powerful in relieving fatigue-induced headache, reducing nervous depression, enhancing athletic performance and in decreasing mental and physical fatigue.The general recommended dosage is 1-2 grams in the form of capsules, two times a day. It can, however, be also taken in the form of tea. In that case, you can drink one cup of yerba mate tea, 2-3 times a day.
GauranaÂ
Gaurana contains 6-times more caffeine as compared to tea and 2-times more caffeine as compared to coffee. It stimulates the functioning of the central nervous system and of the heart, which results in reduced fatigue, enhanced stamina, improved long-term memory and increased mental alertness. The general recommended dosage is 1-2 grams in the form of tablets or powdered seeds.
AstragalusÂ
Astragalus contains isoflavones that act like an adaptogen, which enhances your body’s resistance power to stress and fatigue. The general recommended dosage is 250-500 mg, divided in smaller doses for 3-4 times a day. If you are taking it in capsule form, make sure the supplement is standardized to at least 0.4% of isoflavones.Most herbal practitioners, however, prefer to prescribe the dried roots of the astragalus plant in sliced or powdered form. Those who are taking medications that suppress the immune system should avoid taking Astragalus.
SchisandraÂ
Schisandra contains lignans, acids and essential oils, which are usually referred to as schisandrin. Schisandrin enhances your physical and mental performance by regulating your body’s resistance to stress. In general, you can take it in the doses of 400-500 mg, 2-3 times daily. This herb is safer and more effective when taken in standardized extracts in the form of supplements. Just make sure that the Schisandra supplement you are taking contains at least 3.4% Schisandrin.
Maca RootÂ
There are two main active compounds in maca root – macaenes and macamides. They contain 40% fatty acids, 10% protein and 60% pure carbohydrate. Since it is so rich in high-quality carbohydrate, it fills your body with lots of energy. As an added benefit, it also boosts libido and improves sexual function. It can be taken in the dosage of 150-300 mg daily.
Rhodiola Â
Rhodiola is more popularly referred to as ‘golden root’. It contains rosin, rosarin and rosavin that stimulate the activities of serotonin and dopamine – two main neurotransmitters in brain. As a result, your body feels more active and stress-free. Though it generally does not interfere with other medications, its excess dosage can cause certain side effects, such as insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. The general dosage recommendation is 360- 600 mg per day.
Gingko BilobaÂ
Gingko biloba contains amentoflavone, quercetin, isorhamnetin, polyphenols and ginkgolic acid. The combined effect of all these components have been found to be very effective in boosting physical energy, enhancing mood and in improving mental performance. Gingko biloba acts like a powerful neuro-protective agent. You can take 120-240 mg of this herb per day in 2-3 divided doses.
Gotu KolaÂ
Gotu Kola contains triterpenoids, campesetol and beta-carotenene. The combination of all these compounds can boost your energy level quite significantly. It relieves physical and mental fatigue by reducing your anxiety levels. The dosage varies from 100mg to 475 mg a day.
Ashwgandha
Ashwgandha is also popularly referred to as winter cherry. It contains amino acids, fatty acids, choline, alkaloids and withanolides. This way, it possesses both anti-inflammatory (mainly due to alkaloids) as well as adaptogenic properties (mainly due to withanolides).Its adaptogenic properties work on increasing your body’s resistance power against emotional and physical stress. As a result, it eventually increases your concentration and focus, reduces mental and physical fatigue and improves vitality. It should be taken in the form of standardized supplements that must contain at least 1.5% withanolides. The general recommended dosage is 300 mg daily.
Siberian GinsengÂ
The roots of Siberian ginseng contain long-chain sugars called eleutherosides. They act like glycosides and can boost your energy level by stimulating your body’s metabolism. As an added benefit, this herb also cleanses your immune system. Siberian ginseng, however, is often prescribed in combination with other herbs like goldenseal and Echinacea.In general, it is taken in the form of capsules. The recommended dosage is 100-200 mg, one or two times daily for twelve weeks. The supplement capsules must contain at least 4% eleutherosides. Ginseng is one of the safest herbs that can be taken on a long-term basis, but in limited dosage only. Over dosage can result in decreased appetite, dizziness, upset stomach and insomnia.
Licorice Root
The main component in licorice root is known as glycyrrhizin that can enhance your body’s stamina. However, it does not fill your body with instant energy like many other herbs do. Regular use of it in proper dosage strengthens your adrenal gland gradually and makes you stronger and more energetic from inside.This herb is best suited to those who are suffering from chronic weakness or lack of energy. You can take it in the form of liquid extracts, as herbal tea or in capsule form. If you are taking it in supplement form, make sure it contains at least 4% glycyrrhizin.
Overdose of licorice root should however be avoided, as it can result in an array of side effects, such as elevated blood pressure and water retention. In general, the recommended dosage is 200-400 mg, 3 times a day for 6-8 weeks. Pregnant women and those who are suffering from diabetes, kidney problems and liver disease should avoid taking licorice.Though most of the above-mentioned herbs are very popularly used to boost energy level and vitality, you should avoid excessive dosage of the same. Also, you must consult an experienced herbal practitioner for proper dosage guidelines.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
