nter winter. The earth’s days are shorter; yours are not. You have as much to do as in summer and spring but all the cold and dark is sapping vital energy. Put down that Red Bull can and the 5,000 hour energy shot. Stop it with the triple dose lattes. Did you notice that you are still out of it a half hour later? Not to mention the shakes… Seriously, it’s time go herbal on your energy crisis.
Herbs to Increase Energy
“Herbs are plants and each plant has a different chemical make-up,” says Melissa Wood, a naturopathic doctor and health coach. “Some plants, like lavender, can be very calming and relaxing. Other plants, like peppermint, can be energizing.” Similar to caffeine, certain herbs and spices have properties that increase blood flow and detox the body, making it operate more efficiently.
Energy increasing herbs are called adaptogens because they help the body adapt to stress in a healthy way. “Adaptogenic herbs increase strength, improve stamina, and aid in stress relief,” says Phyllis D. Light, Director of Herbal Studies at Clayton College of Natural Health. “This has the effect of releasing energy working with the endocrine system to improve thyroid functioning, balance blood sugar, improve reproductive health, and influence the appropriate release of stress hormones.”
Our Favorite Energizing Herbs
Ashwagandha
A relative of garden tomatoes, ashwagandha originated in south Asia, and is found in Africa and North America. In Hindi, ashwagandha means “horse’s smell”—an accurate desciprtion. But don’t let that dissuade you from trying it. Research from over 200 medical studies has revealed numerous benefits.
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and depression without sleepiness
- Improves memory and reaction time
- Lowers cholesterol
- Boosts the immune system
- Anti-inflammatory
Usage: Primarly recommended in tincture or tea form, ashwagandha is now widely available in capsules. Follow the package instructions.
Ginseng
An Asian cooking staple, all varieties of ginseng are energizing to a degree. American and Canadian ginsengs provide significantly less energy than Asian, Korean, or Chinese varieties which deliver a stronger punch. Ginseng has been used to treat erectile dysfunction and fatigue in cancer patients.
Benefits: Increased energy
Usage: Available dried, fresh, sliced, powdered, and in capsules, ginseng can be eaten, drank, or taken as a supplement. Side effects from consuming increased amount of ginseng are common, such as: headache, anxiety, increased blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, and bloating. Consult your doctor and carefully monitor how you feel when using it.
Gotu Kola
Slender and smooth, gotu kola grows in low, wet areas in Southeast Asia. Gotu kola will clean out your liver, helping your body run more efficiently and energetically.Used to treat everything from syphilis and hepatitis to stomach ulcers and epilepsy, gotu kola has many mild benefits.
Benefits:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-viral
- Stimulates circulation
- Diuretic
Usage: Another versatile herb, gotu kola is found in capsules, tinctures, or can be grown in your backyard. This herb is not recommended for anyone under 18 years old. If taken it casually (i.e. not in consultation with your doctor), don’t use gotu kola for more than 6 weeks at a time; it can have long-term effects on the liver.
Triphala
A blend of three fruit-bearing plants, triphala “can be used by everyone and is a gentle but powerful detoxifier,” says Alison Dibrino, an Ayurvedic practitioner at Juju Spa & Organics. One of the most widely used herbs in India’s ancient health science of Ayurveda, this herb is highly valued for its health benefits.
Benefits:
- Detoxification
- Increased red blood cell counts
- Removes unnecessary fat
Usage: Triphala is often taken in powder-containing capsules.
Turmeric, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom
Ok, they’re not herbs, they’re spices, but this powerful foursome can add a consistent flame to your inner fire. Simply use any or all of them in your favorite soups, salads, stews, roasts, and desserts. For a quick boost, create a tea blend with a teaspoon or two of each spice.
The Many Ways to Use Herbs for Energy
Ready for more? We’ve got all the resources you need to learn more about how herbs can energy your on daily basis, or treat someone you care for with an herbal gift. Here are our top sources for herbal goodies.
Books about Herbs
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier and Gillian Emerson-Roberts
The Complete Book of Herbs by Lesley Bremness
Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family by Rosemary Gladstar
Herbal Teas and Accessories
The Chopra Center
Mountain Rose Herbs
Teavana
Herbal Supplements
Banyan Botanicals
Organic India
Herbal Experiences
There are countless ways to indulge in herbs: meeting with an herbalist, an aromatherapy massage, and herbal classes are just a few.
Uhma Organic Spa & Green Shop - Miami, FL
Juju Salon & Organics - Philadelphia, PA
Belli Capelli Aromatherapy Salon & Day Spa - San Francisco, CA
By Carolyn Schlicher, Nov 24, 2009
I love Ashwagandha! I actually have an ashwagandha/tulsi drink I go to for energy. The neat part of any ashwagandha is that it actually reduces serum cortisol (cortisol is the hormone that is secreted when the body is under stress).
I haven't found anything "horsey" about the ashwagandha I use, but since it's a prepared drink and not an isolate, that might have something to do with it.
Using herbs for energy are wonderful because they add phytonutrients to the system. It's not like caffeine that goes in and gets things pumping and leaves. The herbs actually do things to build the body nutritionally. Thanks SO MUCH, Victoria, for putting this information out here. I don't think enough folks realize there are things they can use that don't involve jitters, headaches, insomnia, or discomfort!
By Karyn Polewaczyk, Dec 02, 2009
I wish I had read this earlier this afternoon. I've got the beginning of PMS - fatigue, irritability and mild cramps - and couldn't bring myself to do anything but binge on a giant cupcake, pass out, and wake up with an awful sugar-induced migraine two hours later. I'm now on to a cup of coffee, since I've got stuff I need to finish tonight and have little to no energy left, but am going to head to my local health food store in the morning to stock up on these herbs (I've been meaning to replenish my ginseng for some time now).
To echo Carolyn - thanks, Victoria!
By Michelle M, Dec 14, 2009
I have been sick for well over a month and as a result have no energy. I have not been able to work-out either, which puts me into a bad cycle (no work-out, no endorphins for feel-good juju, can't fight the illness). Combine that with shorter days and stress of the holidays...needless to say I am in need of a way to get myself back on track!
So, thank you for this article...I'm super-excited to try these herbs! My question is though...do you know if they can be (or even should be) used in combination with each other? I just bought the Ashwagandha extract and Triphala capsules. I was tempted to get the Gotu Kola as well, but thought that might be overkill.
Any thoughts?