Fatigue is a state of drowsiness and physical exhaustion. Unlike sleepiness, which is often relieved by sleeping, fatigue may be persistent and occur independently of the amount of sleep. Many herbal cures for fatigue can be found in grocery stores, drug stores and online herbal supplement shops for $10 or less.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng--also known as Chinese or Korean ginseng--is a supplement derived from the root of the ginseng plant. It's included in many weight-loss and energy supplements for its mild stimulating effects and is popular in traditional Chinese medicine as an immune-booster and general tonic.
Ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, a substance that protects against the physical effects of stress such as exhaustion and adrenal burnout. It's most effective when taken consistently over a period of two weeks in doses ranging from 500mg to 900mg daily. Side effects may include a slight rise in blood pressure, nausea and insomnia.
Bitter Orange
Citrus aurantium, commonly known as bitter orange, is an herbal stimulant containing synephrine, a substance similar to ephedrine. It's often referred to as "legal ephedra" due to its comparable effects, which include increased energy, appetite suppression and enhanced metabolism.
Unfortunately, bitter orange can cause many of the same adverse reactions as ephedra, some of which can be fatal. According to the National Institutes of Health, several cases of ischemic stroke have occurred in people taking bitter orange, making the herb no safer than ephedra. To reduce these risks, talk to your doctor before taking bitter orange supplements, follow the directions on the label and do not use it consecutively for more than two weeks. Those with cardiovascular disease or other chronic health conditions should avoid using bitter orange.
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a tea made from the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It's popular in Uruguay and Paraguay, and has recently gained popularity in the U.S. as a coffee substitute.
Yerba mate contains several stimulants from the xanthine family, including theophylline, theobromine and caffeine. It's rich in minerals and may be less likely to cause being jittery than other caffeinated beverages due to its mild monoamine oxidase-inhibiting effects. Excessive use may lead to insomnia, nausea, increased heart rate and mild appetite suppression.
Guarana
A traditional favorite in the Amazon Basin, guarana is a stimulant that contains roughly twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. It's used instead of plain caffeine in many South American beverages, including soda, energy drinks and herbal teas.
According to the National Institutes of Health, guarana improves the ability to perform attention-related tasks in a way other caffeinated substances don't. It also boosts mood and alertness, and may temporarily improve memory and recall. Because it's high in caffeine, guarana may cause side effects such as being jittery, nervousness, insomnia and irritability when taken in excess.
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