Do you always feel exhausted at the end of the day and still have a truck load of things to do? Artificial energy boosters like caffeine, energy drinks and sugar may give the required push in your energy levels, but the effects of these energy boosters are short term. First of all, as time passes our body grows immune to the effects of boosters and asks for more than you used to have. Secondly and most importantly, over consumption and dependability on these energy boosters is not good for your health and will affect you adversely in the long term.
Here we have top nine effective and absolutely natural energy boosting herbs. These herbs will keep your body sustained with energy without taking over your mind and will not over stimulate your senses. Here are some herbal remedies for energy boost.
1. Ashwagandha (WithaniaSomnifera):
This herb looks after the physical and emotional well-being of a person. It helps in stabilizing the mood, and thereby keeping the mind free, calm and balanced. Ashwagandha also helps to improve concentration and memory power in a person.
This herb is known to improve a person’s endurance, which means his/her body will be less susceptible to the effects of stress.
If you are on medication for insomnia, anxiety or seizures, you must avoid taking this herb.
Properties:
- It is known to reduce the symptoms of depression and reduces cortisol levels.
- Stress and anxiety are tackled well with this.
- In men, it improves their testosterone levels, thereby improving their fertility.
How to take them:
- Take equal portions of milk and water in a pan and heat.
- To this add 1 gram of ashwagandha powder and boil it till reduces to half.
- Cool it and add sugar. You can also add honey instead of sugar.
2. Astragalus:
This herb has been a part of herbal medicines and traditional Chinese medication.
Properties:
- This herb works really well for the heart, the liver and the immunity of a body. It improves the metabolism and works rather well against fatigue.
- When a body undergoes stress, the immune response of the body gets compromised. This herb helps restore that immune response on account of stress.
- A word of caution: Avoid this herb if you are suffering from a high fever or an infection, or if you are taking beta-blockers or medicines for blood thinning.
How to Consume:
- When making your tea, to it add, 3-g grams of this natural herb that gives you energy, for 12 ounces of water, four times a day.
- Drink it hot.
- This herb is used in the dried form in the tea. They have their recommended dosage.
3. Holy Basil (OcimumTenuiflorum):
The Holy Basil is considered to be at par with a number of modern day painkillers. Thisherb for energy is also believed to provide protection from radiation poisoning.
Properties:
- Basil is used to eliminate stress, digestion problems, inflammation, colds and headaches. This is also a good anti-oxidant which reduces cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
- It has anti-microbial properties that helps to fight virus and infection.
- It fights depression and combats stress.
How to Consume:
- Make a freshly brewed tea by adding 3-4 teaspoons of Holy Basil to the boiling water.
- Add your tea powder and continue the preparation for tea.
- Once done, allow it to seep in for 10 minutes.
- Drink hot.
4. Green Tea:
Green Tea works on the body as a stimulant, as it contains a bit of caffeine. It not only gives sustained energy to the body all day long, it has some additional health benefits as well.
Properties:
- This herb works as an anti-oxidant and an antibiotic.
- It has goodness of antioxidants and nutrients that is essential for the body.
- It fosters weight loss and is lower risk of cancer.
- Green tea has polyphenols that helps in reducing inflammations on the body.
How to Consume:
- Green tea bags are readily available in the market. Boil water first.
- Pour it into a cup and dip the tea bags. Allow it to rest with the bag for about 5 minutes.
- Drink it without sugar or any sweeteners.
5. Ginkgo:
This is another top herb for energy that works on the energy levels of every cell in your body, by increasing the production of ATP inside your body. The function of the ATP is to help the brain in metabolizing glucose in the body for energy, which in turn helps with the mental functions.
Properties:
- This is an ideal herb to have if you are mentally exhausted and tired.
- It increases libido rates in the body.
- It is also ideal to treat migraines and headaches.
- It fights any symptoms of PMS.
- Ginkgo helps in a healthy maintenance of eyes and vision.
How to Consume:
- Consume about 80 to 240mg of ginkgo extract that should be divided to two to three doses a day.
- However, their consumption dosage depends on the purpose for each you are taking for. It varies if you are looking to treat anxiety, mental stress, for sex etc. Check with an expert before you decide to consume.
See More: Best Herbs For Brain Power
6. Ginseng:
This herb helps in reducing fatigue, improving the stamina and reducing the overall effects of stress on the body and mind.
Properties:
- Ginseng provides the physical and mental stimulation that caffeine provides, sans the side effects. When the overall effect of stress on the nervous system reduces, you end up feeling productive and motivated, and in a generally good mood.
- Ginseng is the ideal herb for stamina and energy.
How to Consume:
- This herb can be consumed in the form of tea, pills or capsules.
- Alternatively, take about 3 grams of ginseng (chopped) for one cup of tea.
- Add the herb and any other ingredient required for tea. Pour the hot water and allow it to seep for a while. Drink hot.
- A word of caution: People suffering from high blood pressure, lupus or arthritis must avoid this herb.
7. Reishi:
Popularly known as the “elixir of life” in China, this is rare to find mushroom.
Properties:
- This energizing herb helps in improving the energy levels of the body, by reducing stress and giving a boost to the immune system.
- The Reishi mushroom fights against anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and blood pressure.
How to Consume:
- One to two slices of reishi is good for a quarter cup of water.
- Add it to boiling water and allow it to boil for about 15 minutes.
- Strain it and drink when it cools down.
See More: Foods To Improve Digestion
8. Black Walnut:
If you feel that you feel lethargic and tired due to your diet, this is the herb for you. This herb contains nutrients, which improve and increase the energy levels in the body.
Properties:
- Black Walnut helps in improving the blood circulation in the body, provides strength to the muscles and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.
- Black walnut is also known to improve the cardiovascular health and promote healthy skin.
How to Consume:
- You can add them to your salads to make it crunchier.
- Powder the nut well and add it to your soup to make it healthier.
- You can also eat them raw. They are safe for consumption.
9. Fennel:
This herb helps to regulate the appetite in a body, which leads to a balanced diet. This is a great herb when you are trying to lose weight.
Properties:
- Fennel improves moods and the functioning of the central nervous system.
- The fibre, potassium, folate and vitamin C in fennel seeds benefits the body to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. The fiber rich fennel ensures that the blood is free of cholesterol.
- Cholesterol is absent in fennel.
How to Consume:
- This herb can be consumed in the form of herbal tea. Simply add some seeds to boiling water along with the other ingredients.
- Make fennel water. Boil required amount of water and add adequate fennel seeds to it. Drink it throughout the day.
See More: Food For Increasing Stamina
It is actually possible for someone to be constantly tired and worn out. While energy drinks will supply the required amount of energy for the body, there is nothing like these ayurvedic herbs for energy. They are safe and their uses benefits for the body have been attested since ages. Try out these simple to make drinks at home and ensure to consume regularly for best results.
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