Herbs That Boost Energy

Many people today lack the energy required to accomplish everything that their day demands. Others suffer from a more serious condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as poor memory, irritability, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety and extreme fatigue. Certain herbs may help to boost energy and reduce fatigue, but the evidence for the efficacy of these herbs is largely based on anecdotal evidence. Talk to your health care practitioner before supplementing with herbs.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a popular herb that has been used throughout history as a general tonic to combat weakness and boost energy. It is thought to stimulate both mental and physical activity. It is also thought to support the adrenal glands, and it may help to relive stress, which is often a major contributor to fatigue For therapeutic purposes, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 100 to 300 mg of ginseng, twice daily.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is another herb with a long history of use, states Rain-Tree.com. Yerba mate is a natural source of caffeine as well as two other stimulants known as theobromine and theophylline. It is also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and 15 amino acids. In Europe, it is used to reduce physical and mental fatigue, enhance athletic performance, reduce nervous depression, as well as to treat fatigue-related headaches. Yerba mate can be consumed as a tea, and the recommended dose is 1 cup, two to three times daily. Alternatively, it can be taken as a capsule and 1 to 2 g, twice daily, is the suggested dose.

Guarana

Guarana is a creeping shrub native to the Amazon. The seeds of the guarana fruit are dried, roasted and mixed with water and used medicinally for a variety of purposes. Guarana contains twice as much caffeine as coffee and at least six times the amount of caffeine as tea. Rain-tree.com explains that guarana stimulates the heart and central nervous system, and is purported to increase mental alertness, long-term memory and stamina, and to reduce fatigue without the nervousness or tension often associated with other caffeinated beverages. The therapeutic dose is 1 to 2 g of powdered seeds or tablets daily.

Licorice Root

Your adrenal glands are responsible for producing stress hormones, and under circumstances of prolonged stress, they become exhausted, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, lethargy, dizziness, memory loss, headaches and depression. A chronic lack of energy can cause stress, and prolonged stress can lead to a chronic lack of energy, due to the effect that both stress and fatigue have on your adrenal glands. Licorice root supports your adrenal glands and aids them in the production of hormones. Licorice root will not give you an instant energy boost like the aforementioned herbs, but if you suffer from a chronic lack of energy, taking licorice regularly could strengthen your adrenal glands and help to correct the underlying cause of your fatigue. The recommended dose is 200 to 400 mg, three times daily, for six to eight weeks, notes UMMC.