Your alarm goes off and it’s a
struggle to get up. You have a full day of things you need or want to do
but feel too tired to do them. After your morning coffee, you have a little
more energy, but that wears off by noon. In the afternoon, you start to feel
drowsy and turn to another cup of coffee or 5-hour energy – giving you a short
boost. Then you hit the wall.
For centuries, people have turned
to the highly-valued Chinese tonic herbs, known as adaptogens, to replenish their energy
reserves naturally, support the immune system and adrenals and bring the body
back into balance. These are five of the
most prized energy-boosting herbs that will restore your vital energy.
Ginseng
Ginseng is not a stimulant but
rather an adaptogen that supports the body’s natural response to stress,
anxiety and physical and mental exertion. It helps replenish depleted adrenals
and enhances energy, memory, focus and overall vitality. A recent double-blind
study tested the effectiveness of panax ginseng in patients suffering from
fatigue. The study concluded that patients taking ginseng experienced increased
energy as well as greater improvement in cognitive function and lower levels of
free radicals in the blood.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps
is one of the most valuable mushrooms for supporting the immune system,
increasing energy and endurance. Research has shown that Cordyceps increases
energy by raising ATP levels (the primary energy carrier in all living
organisms), by lowering levels of lactic acid (which make us feel tired) and by
increasing insulin sensitivity which gives cells more access to fuel for energy
and also lowers one’s risk for diabetes in the long run. It is also a powerful
tonic for the lungs.
Rhodiola

Eleuthero
Ginseng
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian
ginseng, can boost energy, sharpen mental concentration and help improve strength
and stamina. It is a prized herb for athletes to naturally enhance their
performance. Studies of Eleuthero’s effects on human performance show that the
plant increases tolerance to a broad range of stress factors, including heat,
noise and increased exercise. The extract of the eleuthero root increases
energy, work output, endurance, athletic performance and mental alertness. It
also shows remarkable protective benefits under conditions of oxygen
deprivation, so it is beneficial for people who will be going to high
altitudes.
Gynostemma
As an adaptogen, gynostemma (or
jiaogulan) increases energy, endurance, stamina while reducing mental and
emotional stress. It also helps stabilize blood sugar by increasing insulin
sensitivity. Considered the “herb of immortality,” gynostemma is also known to
extend longevity, support the immune system, lower cholesterol, lower high
blood pressure and improve heart function.
So turn your fatigue into energy
with these powerful herbs. You can try any of these herbs individually by
boiling them and making a tea. Or, you can take the formula, Supreme Immune Tonic
by Six Persimmons Apothecary that has all of the above herbs prepared in a potent 10:1
concentration. It is available at Six Persimmons Apothecary.