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A Guide to Herbs for Energy

January 04, 2018

Does it feel like you never have enough energy to do the things you want to do?

Herbal adaptogens and tonics are an excellent choice for energy. They nourish the body at the deepest level in the endocrine system.

Adaptogens encourage natural, sustained energy and don’t contain caffeine that drains the adrenal glands.

They encourage the body to feel better, work better, and play better, naturally.

In this article, I’ll be covering the key herbs in Innergy, an herbal formula specially formulated to help build your vital energy from the inside out.

Top Herbs in Innergy for Your Energy

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

One of Asia’s superior tonics, schisandra is an amazing energy herb.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, shisandra is referred to as “five flavors” because it encompasses all five TCM flavors, and is believed to have the ability to energetically match any person.

In this way, schisandra helps to regulate body energy depending on the person’s need. It expertly calms those who are overstimulated, and revitalizes those who are feeling burned out.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Rhodiola is one of my favorite mood elevating energizers. Rhodiola improves the balance of “feel good” chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine.

Research shows it improves physical fitness, brain and motor function, performance, and well being. It’s a great choice for mental energy because it supports calm focus.

Further research shows rhodiola has a more powerful effect on your quality of work, rather than your quantity of work. Rhodiola actually helps you to work smarter, not just harder.

I find rhodiola works great for the person who feels mentally and physically sluggish, who can’t seem to get moving for a workout, or who puts off difficult tasks because of a lack of energy.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

macaUsed by peoples of the Andes for thousands of years, maca is a true energy superfood.

Maca is extremely nutritious, rich in protein, fiber, essential fats, amino acids, vitamin A and C, and important minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.

For energy purposes, maca contains iodine which directly supports the thyroid gland, in charge of metabolism and energy.

In fact, an underactive thyroid is a primary cause of fatigue, particularly in women.

Research finds maca enhances sports performance, improves sexual function, and supports healthy hormone balance.

It’s a good choice for natural sustained energy, and can make a big difference for people suffering with a low libido caused by fatigue.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Gotu Kola is an underutilized Ayurvedic energy herb, which works similarly to ashwagandha.

Gotu kola is both a nervine (supports nervous system) and adaptogen (supports the endocrine system).

Yogis use gotu kola to enhance their meditation practice. The herb itself is believed to resemble the “crown chakra,” the energy center of the brain.

In Ayurveda, gotu kola is used as rejuvenating brain tonic. It has an impressive history of brain and memory stimulation.

Preliminary animal tests show some success for gotu kola with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Gotu kola is one of the first choices for mental fatigue, stress, and mild anxiety.

I have also found it aids energy recovery for people dealing with autoimmune issues like chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium)

We, in America, tend to think Asian ginseng is more potent. Yet, about 80% of American ginseng is exported to Asia because it is widely used and respected in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).

American ginseng is less stimulating than Asian panax. It works particularly well for people who react to the “heating” quality of Asian ginseng varieties.

American ginseng is cooling in nature, is better suited for mental fatigue, and can be used daily for energy rejuvenation.

It’s a primary restorative herb for people whose bodies have become weakened by illness or fatigue.

In fact, one pilot study shows American ginseng produces good results in helping cancer patients overcome fatigue.

nettles6Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Nettles are a mineral-rich nervous system, adrenal, and kidney tonic for energy.

Nettles are one of the first herbs I was ever instructed to take by an herbalist.

They are deeply regenerative to the kidneys and can help to restore the body’s vital Qi (energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine).

Nettles often work when other herbs fail, or when a stress-related illness has lasted a long time (as was the case for me).

No other gland is more affected by stress than the adrenal glands, and in turn, the kidneys.

When the adrenals and kidneys are depleted by stress or infections, nettles infuse it with healing nutrients and help to restore health and vital energy.

Furthermore, nettles are extremely high in calcium that nourishes the nervous system and aids sleep.

Energy: You Want it? Get it!

Having enough energy can mean the difference between soaring through life or trudging through each day.

Life refuses to slow down even when you’re fatigued. Make sure you’re getting enough rest and eating healthy for your long-term energy.

In addition, give your body a helping hand by trying the superior herbal adaptogens in this article. You can feel the energy difference within a few days.

Herbs, as foods, normalize and rebalance the body, instead of depleting it like caffeine or sugar.

Over time, with regular use, the adaptogen herbs in Innergy help to build your natural energy and vitality more and more.

References:

Barton, D.L., Soori, G.S., Bauer, B.A., Sloan, J.A., Johnson, P.A., Figueras, C., et.al. (2010, Feb.) Pilot study of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding evaluation: NCCTG trial N03CA. Supportive Care in Cancer. 18(2):179-87. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19415341
De Bock, K., Eijnde, B., Ramaekers, M., & Hespel, P. (2004, June). Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 14(3), 298-307. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15256690
Gotu Kola. (2016, May). Retrieved from Herb Wisdom, http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-gotu-kola.html
Group, E. (2014, Sept). 7 Benefits of Maca Root for Women. Retrieved from Global Healing Center,
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/7-benefits-of-maca-root-for-women
Maca Nutrition Facts. (2016, May). Retrieved from The Maca Team, https://www.themacateam.com/maca-nutrition-facts
Nordqvist, J. (2016, Jan.). Ginseng: Health Benefits, Facts, Research. Retrieved from Medical News Today, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262982.php
Shevtsov, V., Zholus, B., Shervarly, V., Vol’skij, V.B., Korovin, Y.P., Khristich, M.P., et al. (2003, March). A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 10, 95-105. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10778241_Randomized_trial_of_two_different_doses_of_a_SHR5_Rhodiola_rosea_extract_versus_placebo_and_control_of_capacity_for_mental_work
Shyong, F. (2015, Feb) American ginseng has a loyal Chinese clientele. LA Times.
Retrieved from: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-adv-ginseng-american-20150301-story.html
Tierra, M. (2016, Feb.) Herbs and Liver Health. Retrieved from Planet Herbs, http://www.planetaryherbals.com/articles/6357/
Tuttle, D. (2006, Feb.). Rhodiola. Retrieved from Life Extension Magazine, http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2006/2/report_rhodiola/page-01
Veerendra Kumar M.H. & Gupta, Y.K. (2000, Feb.) Effect of different extracts of Centella asiatica on cognition and markers of oxidative stress in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 79(2):253-60 Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11801389
Veracity, D. (2005, June). Chinese medicine: Schizandra berry a potent adaptogenic herb. Retrieved from Natural News, http://www.naturalnews.com/009229.html#ixzz48vm78mXL
Weed, S. (2008, Oct.) Healing Wise: Energize and Enjoy with Nettle. Retrieved from http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/October08/healingwise.htm