Having no energy can be debilitating. With the heavy demands on everyday life and the health conditions that are plaguing individuals today, it is no wonder people are searching for alternative sources of energy. Using herbs may be an effective remedy, however, it is important to consult your physician before using any herbal supplement.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, is an herb that originated from India; it is used often by Ayurvedic practitioners. Ashwagandha contains adaptogenic properties believed to help the body increase its resistance against physical and emotional stress, two causes of low energy. Proponents believe winter cherry can improve mental and physical fatigue caused by emotional stress, increase focus and concentration, as well as improve mild to moderate depression, nervousness and anxiety. In a study published in the August 2009 issue of "PLoS One," ashwagandha supplements were found more effective than psychotherapy alone. During this study, Dr. Kieren Cooley and colleagues from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine found that 300 mg of standardized ashwagandha made with 1.5 percent of withanolides, the active compound found in this herb, showed significant improvements in participants mental health, fatigue levels, vitality, concentration and social functioning.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, or centella asiatica, is an herb that has been used medicinally for thousands of years because it is believed to improve mental clarity, relieve skin issues, heal wounds and treat conditions such as syphilis and hepatitis. This herb also may increase low energy levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, gotu kola contains the compound, triterpenoid, that appears to lower anxiety levels which directly impacts an individual's energy. High anxiety levels often result in mental and physical fatigue. More studies need to be performed to determine this herb's effectiveness on energy, therefore, consult a doctor before using.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, or eleutherococcus senticosus, contains active compounds known as eleutherosides that appear to increase energy levels, improve longevity and vitality and stimulate the immune system. Siberian ginseng is also seen as an adaptogen herb. In a study published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," researchers found that the eleutherosides found in Siberian ginseng did alleviate fatigue both physically and mentally. Although this study was done on rats, it does provide promising evidence that Siberian ginseng could also help human fatigue. Some side effects that may occur as a result of using this herb include high blood pressure, vomiting and insomnia, therefore it should be used with caution and a medical professional should be consulted.
Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs on the market today and widely used across the U.S. and Europe, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ginkgo is most often used to enhance memory and to improve circulation but it also appears to improve energy levels, mental performance and mood. In a study published in the December 2010 issue of "Nutrition Reviews," clinicians found that gingko biloba was far superior than ginseng, omega-3 fatty acids or glucose for energy, especially mental energy. Gingko Biloba scored high with regards to mood, the feelings of whether or not there was fatigue or energy; motivation and cognition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Siberian Ginseng
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation for Anti-Fatigue Property of Acanthopanax Senticosus; L.Z. Huang, et al.; January 2011
- Clarocet: Winter Cherry
- "PLoS One"; Naturopathic Care for Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial ISRCTN78958974; Kieran Cooley, et al.; August 2009
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Do Specific Dietary Constituents and Supplements Affect Mental Energy? Review of the Evidence; H.E. Gorby, et al.; December 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gotu Kola
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