The Top 12 Herbs to Increase Energy and Vitality!

Next to time and money, maybe the most precious resource we have these days is energy. This is an easy assumption to make based upon all the billions of dollars per year spent on things like coffee, energy shots, and energy drinks. Without enough energy, our bodies and minds can’t function at an optimal level. Among other things, this can lead to poor performance at work, school, or other activities. More importantly, we need energy to deal with the stresses of life. If our bodies don’t have enough energy, it can cause a host of problems and lead to poor decisions that can as serious as life and death.

However, relying on caffeine and relate products as a primary source of energy may not be the most healthy of choices. Instead our focus should be more on getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet. However, if you are doing this and still find yourself lacking the energy you need, there are a number of herbs that have been widely used to create and maintain energy through the day so you get perform your best; body and mind.

In this recent article from Wake Up World, they showcase 12 herbs you can use to give you a boost of energy without resorting to caffeine:

“Constantly Tired? Here are 12 Herbs to Increase Energy and Vitality

By John Summerly

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

How difficult is it for us to achieve a work-life balance? How much more difficult is it to achieve a life-energy balance?

If you are constantly tired, or struggle with your energy levels through the day, a few ancient herbal formulas can help you achieve the balance you never thought possible.

Skip your daily sugar boost, coffee or red bull because in the long-term they will always let you down. Adaptogenic herbs will give you sustained energy and vitality while allowing your mind to think freely, calmly and without excessive stimulation.

What are Adaptogenic Herbs?

Adaptogenic herbs demonstrate a nonspecific enhancement of the body’s ability to resist a stressor, increasing your resistance overall against physical, chemical and biological stressors. Modern herbalists say adaptogenic herbs are plants with properties that exert a normalizing influence on the body, neither habit-forming, over-stimulating nor inhibiting normal body function, but rather exerting a generalized tonifying effect.

Herbal formulas found in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine restore a healthy stress response typically using traditionally prepared formulas, however each herb can be taken on its own. Here are 12 of the best.

12 Herbs to Increase Energy and Vitality

1. GREEN TEA

Instead of reaching for a cola mid-day, try brewing a cup of green tea. Green tea drinkers experience an increase in the activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with working memory, which you need for problem solving and focus.

Green tea is made solely from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. It has become the raw material for extracts which are used in various beverages, health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic items. Users should be aware the some sources of green tea may contain excess levels of fluoride so it’s important to purchase from companies that do not use irrigated sources of fluoridated water.

2. RHODIOLA

Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root, Roseroot, Aaron’s Rod) is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Its effects are potentially mediated by changes in serotonin and dopamine levels.

Used for centuries in Asia and Scandinavia, Rhodiola is still relatively new to the Western market, but its popularity is growing, in large part because of what an incredibly versatile — and relatively inexpensive.

3. MACA

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an annual plant native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It has been harvested and used by humans in the Andean Mountains for centuries.

Darker colored maca roots (red, purple, black) contain significant amounts of natural iodine, a 10-gram serving of dried maca generally containing 52 micrograms of iodine.

It is highly beneficial for reducing fatigue, enhancing energy and endurance, as well as being a superlatively effective adaptagen for everyday living. Maca contains 55 phytochemicals that are known to have vitality-enhancing effects in the body, in addition to being incredibly mineral dense and nutritious.

Maca has the ability to heighten libido and improve semen quality. Its favorable effects on mood, may decrease anxiety and improve sexual desire. The effects of Maca are due to the root’s unique nutritional profile, which provides optimum levels of nutrients utilized by the body’s endocrine system. It may even alleviate medication-induced sexual dysfunction caused by pharmaceutical antidepressants.

4. ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwangandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the premier restorative herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known to help stabilize mood and support optimal physical and emotional well-being. It is also known to improve memory and focus and endurance. It is believed to reduce the effects of stress on the body. The berries and leaves of ashwangandhaare locally applied to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers.”

Many cultures have been using these herbs for thousands of years to maintain energy. And thanks to modern society, they are easily obtainable by just heading to the local health food store. But when you are looking for these herbs always make sure not to purchase the cheapest supplements you can find. And always check with your sales person to find out what brands they recommend.

Ideally, you are going to want to find a product that contains several of these herbs in it but it may take some trial and error in finding the right herbs or combinations of herbs that help you. Get the complete list of top 12 herbs for energy by reading the rest of the post over on the website by clicking the below link:

Wake Up World

Photo By ketuon