Fatigue strikes everyone occasionally, and work, diet, stress and insomnia may all contribute to bouts of fatigue. You may also experience fatigue if you have an underlying illness, such as anemia, depression or thyroid disease. Herbal remedies may relieve occasional episodes of fatigue by helping you sleep better, calming your nerves and strengthening your immune system. Consult a health care provider before starting herbal therapy, or if you find that you are constantly tired or run down without any clear reason.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a shrub native to eastern Siberia. Herbalists use the dried roots and rhizomes as an adaptogen, which is an herb that affects the immune or hormonal systems and helps your body adapt to or cope with stress, an underlying cause of fatigue. Botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that Siberian ginseng tea or tincture is helpful for countering fatigue and stress, both mental or physical, and is especially useful during convalescence. Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster call Siberian ginseng a "fatigue-buster" and recommend capsules or tinctures. Do not use this herb for more than three months or if you have hypertension. Discontinue use if the herb is too stimulating or, in the case of women, if you experience breast tenderness.
Astragalus
Astragalus, or Astragalus membranaceus, is a perennial herb found throughout eastern Asia. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use the dried roots as an adaptogen tonic. Astragalus contains triterpene saponins and polysaccharides and stimulates the immune system, reducing the duration of recurrent infections, slow-healing wounds and general fatigue, according to van Wyk and Wink. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend astragalus tea, tinctures or capsules to boost your energy, strengthen your immune system and aid digestion. They also suggest adding dried astragalus roots to soups and stews to enhance your energy while eating. Do not give astragalus to children with fevers and talk to your doctor before taking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Astragalus may interfere with drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids.
Rosemary
Rosemary, or Rosemarinus officinalis, is an aromatic cooking and medicinal herb native to the Mediterranean. Traditional healers use the leaves and essential oil as a tonic and to calm nervous disorders. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster state that rosemary tea and tinctures stimulate the nervous system and blood circulation, and relieve mild depression. Rosemary also relieves digestive problems, which may induce sleeplessness and fatigue. Herbalist David Hoffmann suggests applying rosemary essential oil externally to relieve muscle and nerve pain, which can contribute to stress and fatigue. Do not ingest pure rosemary oil or take rosemary if you are pregnant or nursing. Avoid this herb if you have or are taking medication for diabetes, blood-clotting disorder, high blood pressure, ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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