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How to use herbs for energy when you’re exhausted
One MAJOR strategy really moved the needle for me on my energy levels when I experienced burnout – and it likely will for you too.
The best thing about this strategy is that it takes VERY little effort on your part to do.
Perfect when you’re feeling too tired, overwhelmed and busy to take on too much responsibility.
Without further ado…. the one simple yet MAJOR strategy you can take no matter what stage of exhaustion you’re at (yet to take the quiz? Do so here) and get game-changing results is to take adaptogens.
Adaptogens are a class of herbs that have the ability to adapt to your body’s needs to regulate functions.
Their effects are far reaching, as they help boost energy, regulate immunity, improve brain function, stamina and more!
They’re also a source of antioxidants and have protective anti-inflammatory effects in the body, which can quell the damaging effects stress can have on your body. Amazing, right?
Adaptogens are gentle and safe enough to take daily (in either tincture, powder, capsule or tablet form) – although if you have any existing medical conditions, please check with your primary healthcare provider first.
Amazingly, many of the benefits of adaptogens can be seen within DAYS.
Herbs for energy
Different adaptogens are recommended for different stages of exhaustion, so pick the right adaptogen for you based on your score:
Energy Master and Would-be Wonder Woman:
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) along with Gingko Biloba are fantastic for skyrocketing your energy and performance to epic levels.
Gingko is especially good for boosting memory and performance and it thins the blood, boosts circulation to the brain (note: avoid if you’re on blood thinners) and reduces inflammation.
If you’re already at a good level of mental strength now, your brain will be thinking as fast as Bradley Cooper in Limitless.
You can take this herb in tea form, or buy capsules or tincture form.
Recommended dose: 40mg gingko extract twice daily.
Reishi mushroom is fantastic for optimising your energy levels without being too stimulating. It’s also a wonderful immune strengthener, so keeps you feeling more resilient, especially in times of pressure or at a change of season.
Recommended dose: 600mg 2x day with food.
Frayed and Frazzled:
Rhodiola rosea is good for those who have some exhaustion, stress, anxiety and poor mental focus as it helps to both calm and strengthen the stress response and mind.
Recommended dose: 300mg in the morning.
Tuckered Out Trailblazer:
Use Rhodiola in the morning (see above), then Withania somnifera (aka Ashwaghanda) in the evening.
Ashwaghanda will help lower cortisol levels at night so you can sleep more effectively, and has the added bonus of boosting your memory and stabilising energy.
It’s also great for boosting your libido (thank me later 😉 ).
Recommended dose: 500-1000mg in powdered root form at night.
Burnt Out Babe:
American Ginseng helps to strengthen your adrenal glands when you’re in the crashed state.
Recommended dose: 30-100mg in the morning.
Licorice
Not the confection.. the herb!
Licorice helps prolong the life of cortisol, so less cortisol is produced, saving reserves so the adrenals don’t become taxed.
Licorice can be taken as a supplement, although there are also licorice teas available which can help in times of stress.
Do not take if you have high blood pressure.
Recommended dose: 30-100mg in the morning, or drink tea in the mornings (steep the bag for 10 minutes to get the full effects).
Chamomile
Chamomile is wonderful relaxing herb for any tension or anxiety.
It also promotes sleep and can also relieve headaches and migraines.
You can get chamomile in supplement forms however the easiest way to take advantage of this relaxing herb in all its glory is to have it as a tea.
Chamomile tea is a wonderful way to wind down each night as its sedative effects will help you relax and prepare for sleep.
Recommended dose: Take 2 teaspoons of the dried flowers (or a teabag) and steep in boiling water for 10 minutes.
You can get these herbs at any good quality health store.
So that’s it…. one crazy simple step to boost your energy while barely lifting a finger.
However – while using adaptogenic herbs for energy is helpful – the real solution is getting to the root of why you’re tired. Schedule a free mini consult with me to find out more.
ABOUT MELISSA SMITH
Melissa is a naturopathic nutritionist and health coach who helps people who are feeling tired all the time get their energy and life back. She consults with people worldwide via webcam (AKA telehealth) from Melbourne, Australia.
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