There are innumerable reasons for common bouts of low energy – that is, reasons that are not associated with more serious health conditions.
Lack of energy by itself is rarely an emergency. Insufficient sleep, poor sleep, overworking, stress, overextension, too little exercise and poor diet can all be factors contributing to our general feeling of having absolutely no energy.
Coffee’s global appeal is in large part due to the energy boost associated with caffeine. However, if you don’t like the taste of coffee or have issues with caffeine, what do you do?
Certain medicinal plants can also help jump-start low energy fields.
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Ginseng – This is probably the best known medicinal plant for improving your energy and focus. Ginseng contains compounds, including ginsenosides, eleutherosides and ciwujianosides, which are thought to give ginseng its performance- and energy-enhancing effects.
Several human studies verify that ginseng can improve physical performance in sedentary and active people, offer anti-fatigue properties and boost mental alertness.
There are several ways to take ginseng, but for most people just looking for a little energy boost, ginseng tea is probably the easiest way to consume ginseng. Supplements and powder are also available. You can even eat ginseng raw.
It should be pointed out that there are potential side effects with ginseng including diarrhea, insomnia and elevated heart rate/blood pressure. Ginseng can also interfere with common medications such as medications for heart disease, depression and diabetes.
Sage – This is another medicinal plant backed by Science that may help reduce fatigue in adults as well as improve mood, attention span and alertness.
Sage acts as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in brain function, including memory, attention and motivation. AChE inhibitors help increase the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, which in turn helps improve cognitive function.
Sage is most often taken as a supplement for energy boosts.
Bacopa monnieri – Here’s one most people have never heard of. Also known as brahmi or water hyssop, Bacopa monnieri grows in wet, tropical environments. Curiously, its ability to thrive underwater has made Bacopa monnieri a staple for aquarium hobbyists.
But as a medicinal plant, Bacopa monnieri has been very important in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, especially for treating memory issues, insomnia and anxiety.
Empirical studies have also been encouraging, showing that Bacopa monnieri may help boost brain function and alertness because Bacopa monnieri is a concentrated source of triterpenoid saponins, which are known as bacosides and may have brain-function-boosting effects.
Bacopa monnieri is commonly taken as two oral capsules twice a day with water after meals.
Bacopa monnieri is generally considered safe, but may react with some medications. Side effects like digestive issues are also a possibility.
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Note: To ensure your safety and proper usage, it’s always advisable to speak with your healthcare provider before using medicinal plants in any form.
