Almost everyone experiences fatigue from time to time. It can greatly affect your ability to work, sleep and enjoy life. However, certain herbal remedies may help combat fatigue. Note that certain medical conditions may cause fatigue, so consult a doctor for a proper evaluation. Also ask your doctor if herbal medicine is appropriate for your personal situation.
About Fatigue
Fatigue may be defined as feeling tired, weak or weary, or having low energy. Sometimes fatigue is temporary and its cause can be easily identified, perhaps from working too much or because of a stressful life event. Fatigue can also be long-term and its cause vague. A myriad of medical conditions may result in fatigue, including anemia, illness, pregnancy, emotional distress, diabetes and cancer, to name a few. Understanding your fatigue's underlying cause is important for safety considerations and to determine appropriate treatment.
Herbal Remedies for Fatigue
Certain herbal remedies may help decrease fatigue. Some herbs help increase energy and stamina, some enhance your ability to cope with stress and some may help repair the damage in your body that excessive stress can cause. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician, professional herbalist and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," useful herbs for fatigue relief include ashwagandha, astragalus, devil's club, ginkgo, ginseng, gotu kola and licorice.
Featured Herb
Ginseng is a popular herb for treating fatigue. "Ginseng" is a common name that can refer to different plants: American, Asian or Korean ginseng, of the Panax genus, or Siberian ginseng, of the genus Eleutherococcus. The Panax and Eleutherococcus ginsengs have unique active constituents, but their effects on fatigue are similar. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Panax ginseng may improve mental performance and physical endurance, as well as help the body to adapt to stress. Eleutherococcus ginseng, reports Dr. Tilgner, increases endurance and concentration while improving exhaustion and weakness.
Caution
Before taking herbs to treat your fatigue, it's important to understand its underlying cause. This helps properly direct treatment, which a qualified health care professional can provide. Since herbs can have powerful effects on your body and can interact with certain medications, discuss any herbal remedies that you're considering with your doctor.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Fatigue
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
