16 Effective Herbs to Boost Your Energy

Panax ginseng, rhodiola, ashwaganda, astragalus, and ginkgo biloba are some of the herbs that have been celebrated for their energy-boosting properties. Read this piece to know more about the herbs that enhance energy.

None of the herbs have been approved by the USFDA as a remedy for fatigue. Consultation with a qualified herbalist is a must before using these herbs.

Are you experiencing low energy reserves daily? Is fatigue overtaking you everyday? If your answer is yes, it's time you use some natural herbal remedies that have shown the potential to boost energy levels.

There are certain herbs that increase stamina, which may work to help you get rid of tiredness, exhaustion, and physical weakness. These herbs are said to have energy-building properties that can help you to fight that 'fatigue' monster.

Although research has shown mixed results, there are no two opinions about the energy-boosting potential of these herbs. So, when the feeling of tiredness or a lack of energy and strength is constantly nagging you, the following herbs taken in the form of supplements, tincture, or tea may come in handy to boost your energy.

This ginseng plant is known for its anti-fatigue effects. Athletes too use this herb to improve their performance. It may be particularly beneficial for runners, for it is said to increase physical endurance.

Studies have also shown that the herb improves maximal oxygen uptake in athletes, in turn increasing their endurance during exercise. So, instead of depending on anabolic steroids, athletes can use panax ginseng to boost their energy levels.

Also referred to as rose root, rhodiola rosea can help combat fatigue and increase endurance exercise capacity.

For more than 35 years, the herb has been investigated in countries like Russia and Scandinavia for its possible effects on the body. It was observed that the herb is useful in coping with stress.

One study found out that the herb has stimulant-like effects, which work to improve physical function. Quite a few users of the herb have experienced a significant drop in fatigue, increased endurance, concentration, and lifted mood. Rhodiola rosea has been grouped with adaptogens (substances which help regulate physiological processes). This herb works to relieve physical and mental stress.

Ashwagandha, native to India and Africa, can also be helpful in dealing with exhaustion and lack of energy.

Be it managing stress, boosting immunity or maintaining optimum energy levels, this herb may work to make you feel much better. Regarded as an energy tonic, ashwagandha can assist to improve stamina and may give you spare energy to perform strenuous tasks.

The herb has been an integral part of the traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. The woody root of the plant is said to have energy-enhancing properties that help promote vitality and stamina.

The root in powdered form is usually added to herbal brews and teas that give a dose of energy, which remains with you for many hours. Moreover, it also enhances the function of the immune system.

The extracts of this herb, particularly the fruit, have also been used in boosting stamina and energy levels. In China, it is described as the 'herb that does it all'.

It has a long history of use as a fatigue fighter, and a potent general tonic that can improve endurance and increase physical performance. The fruit extracts of this plant known for their energy-enhancing ability, may benefit competitive athletes such as long-distance runners and gymnasts.

As per Ayurvedic literature, the holy basil has a positive impact on the body's energy field.

Belonging to the Labiatae or mint family of plants, the holy basil is said to strengthen the energy chakra system of the body. In Asia, taking the herb before yoga and meditation is a common practice.

Moreover, some studies indicate that relieving stress and anxiety are some of the potential health benefits of this herb. Its usage may benefit people suffering from adrenal fatigue. Although the use of holy basil in Asia dates back to 3,000 years, in the United States, it has drawn attention only recently as clinical studies too are demonstrating its positive effects on the body.

As per the Chinese tradition, this herb replenishes 'Jing', the primal energy of the body. Although not a stimulant, it is said to have incredible energizing properties.

The traditional Chinese medicine recognizes it as one of the most effective energy tonics used by mankind. It is not an instant energy booster, as its effect is cumulative. It enhances energy levels gradually, which means one has to use it for an extended duration of time.

People living in the high Andes of Peru have been cultivating Maca for centuries. It is believed that the herb was given to Inca warriors as an energy booster.

In these regions, it is known as a medicinal herb and is used as a root vegetable. The maca root is said to combat fatigue and improve energy levels. The root of this herb is high in phytochemicals that are vital nutrients for optimal health.

So, those struggling with low energy may take maca root extract to get a powerful energy boost, and to improve stamina and athletic performance.

Commonly known as the stinging nettle, this herb used in the form of tea, is considered to be an energizing infusion.

The herbal infusion is said to be nourishing to your health. As we all know, proper functioning of the adrenal gland is crucial to maintain energy reserves. Stinging nettle is believed to improve adrenal function, which increases stamina, prevents fatigue, and boosts one's energy levels.

Licorice works in a similar fashion as urtica dioica to boost energy levels.

The herb is thought to support adrenal health and is recommended to treat issues associated with adrenal fatigue. The licorice root positively influences the working of the adrenal gland, which helps to boost energy and endurance.

The herb is an excellent source of calcium, iron, and B vitamins, all of which are known for their energy-enhancing capabilities.

Alfalfa, considered to be the powerhouse of nutrition, can indeed work wonders to increase your energy levels. Due to its high nutritional value, alfalfa has become the preferred herbal choice to improve overall health.

Popularly known as green tea, the herb is commonly taken in the form of tea and has become one of the most frequently consumed beverages among health watchers.

Have just one cup of green tea and you are sure to experience an instant energy boost. Its high antioxidant content helps you overcome physical and mental fatigue after a hard day's work. In fact, having it in the morning will keep you energized throughout the day and you are unlikely to experience that midday slump.

So to maximize and increase mental capacity, you can surely depend on a cup of green tea.

Some users of cordyceps call it an instant energy booster. The herb is said to increase levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy-carrying molecule present in our cells.

With an increase in the ATP production, there is more energy in the body, thereby allowing you to carry your day-to-day activities more effectively. Also, your body is better prepared at handling short, explosive exercises. All in all, cordyceps that positively affects ATP, can help you stay active throughout the day.

Ginkgo, indigenous to China, works in a way similar to cordyceps, in enhancing energy levels. It resolves energy issues by increasing ATP levels.

Quite few energy drinks contain ginkgo as active ingredient. We all know, the brain mainly depends on glucose for energy production. Ginkgo biloba is primarily used to increase mental sharpness as it increases blood flow to the brain. So, when you are exhausted mentally, taking this herb may assist to increase alertness and improve mental clarity.

Also known as eleuthero, the Siberian ginseng can aid to boost stamina and athletic performance.

In China, the herb is highly prized for its ability to enhance longevity and improve overall well-being. Studies conducted by Russian researchers observe that the herb is essentially adaptogenic, meaning it can help reduce sensitivity to stress and fatigue.

In the United States and Europe, competitive athletes often take this herbal supplement to improve performance. People leading hectic lives and looking for a way to relieve fatigue and boost energy, may find this herb beneficial. So, when you feel really run down and exhausted, taking extracts of Siberian ginseng would be a better alternative to guzzling on a cup of coffee.

Reishi is a Chinese mushroom and has been described as the 'Mushroom of Immortality' in the traditional Chinese medicine.

It is said to increase vitality, longevity, improve sleep quality, and at the same time, boost immune function to provide resistance to various diseases. Revered and glorified throughout China's long history for its various medicinal properties, the mushroom is considered as a tonic to promote vital energy.

It is highly prized for its anti-fatigue properties and taking it as prescribed may help to increase daily energy levels.

One may argue that if a cup of coffee provides an energy boost, why choose these herbs? However, the initial boost from coffee does not last long and is soon followed by an energy crash. In case of herbs, the energy derived stays for hours, which works to maximize both physical and mental capacity.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a herb specialist.