Most of us suffer from time to time from the feeling of reduced mental clarity and exhaustion we might refer to as "wooziness." That woozy feeling is usually a temporary reaction to factors like poor diet, insufficient sleep and stress. Sometimes a virus is the problem -- if so, rest, drink plenty of fluids and wait for it to pass. Very rarely, persistent feelings of confusion, fatigue and inability to think clearly may be signs of a more serious condition, and should be evaluated by a medical professional. However, on those days when you just can't seem to wake up, there are gentle herbal remedies that can help. Check with your doctor before using any sort of supplement, however, to ensure safe and proper usage.
Green Tea
Green tea has long been known for improving mental alertness. It contains caffeine, which is thought to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to increased energy and focus. Caffeine levels in green tea are relatively low, however, so you may be able to avoid the jittery side effects often associated with caffeine. Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine. Although the data are not yet conclusive, some studies have shown L-theanine to work with caffeine to create a state of calm alertness, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Supplements of green tea with L-theanine are also widely available.
Peppermint
The crisp, stimulating flavor of peppermint is a natural for promoting alertness in body and mind. Whether or not it has an objective physical effect is difficult to assess. Studies of peppermint oil aroma, daytime sleepiness and mood have returned varied and subjective results, reports UMMC. But the strong flavors and sensations of peppermint oil and peppermint tea do appear to have stimulant effects on some study participants. Furthermore, peppermint may be excellent for soothing and stimulating sluggish digestion, which is a common cause of feelings of fatigue and low motivation.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is a medicinal herb common to Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. If your foggy, woozy feelings are caused by anxiety, depression or persistent insomnia, it may be a good choice for you. Gotu kola contains compounds called triterpenoids, which appear in high doses to treat anxiety and increase cognitive function and memory in mice and rats. Sufficient studies have not yet been conducted on human subjects. However, gotu kola -- not to be confused with the caffeine-rich kola nut -- has a long history of use as a natural boost for libido, energy, intelligence, memory and mood.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is the oldest surviving tree species in the world. It is also a widely studied medicinal herb with applications from cancer prevention to glaucoma to cognitive function. According to UMMC, studies have shown ginkgo to help restore memory in elderly people with dementia and Alzheimer's, possibly by supporting blood flow to the brain, but since so little is known about the causes of Alzheimer's, the results are difficult to assess. Still, people have taken ginkgo biloba to support cognition and memory for centuries. If you are interested in trying ginkgo biloba supplementation, speak with your doctor first, since ginkgo can have negative interactions with some medicines.
References
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peppermint; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gotu Kola; Steven D. Ehrlich; October 2009
- Herbwisdom.com: Gotu Kola
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginkgo Biloba; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2009
- Herbwisdom.com: Ginkgo Biloba
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