Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Energy Boosters!

Many of us feel like we have low energy, or that we just need more of it. Instead of drinking 4 cups of coffee everyday or a Monster or Red Bull, we can use natural and actually healthy alternatives to boost our energy. I will go through 3 herb groups that can improve our energy: Tonic herbs, immediate energy boosters, and herbs that help you relax and/or sleep so you can properly rejuvenate.


Tonic Herbs:
Some tonic herbs particularly good at increasing energy supply are Nettle, Dandelion, Ashwangadha and Korean (or Panax) Ginseng. Tonic herbs are good to take daily, and build up your specific body systems. Most of these herbs specifically build up the adrenal system, and all have essential vitamins and minerals.
I would recommend making a tea blend of the tonic herbs listed and drinking a small pot daily: 1-2 cups in the morning and another later in the day. 
For women, I would also highly recommend taking an Iron supplement daily. The best way to get your iron (and other vitamins and minerals) is through foods because your body can easily absorb it. The next best way is through a supplement made with herbs/food rather than by taking Iron pills. An Iron syrup can be an excellent way to take your daily dose of Iron.
I would recommend 1-4 tablespoons daily, or follow the directions on the bottle.

Immediate Energy Boosters:
Some herbs to give you that extra (strong) push when you need it include Cacao and Yerba Mate. Cacao is an incredible food, it has one of the highest amount of antioxidants of all foods. It is also rich in many vitamins and minerals including magnesium, calcium and iron. Eating/drinking Cacao can definitley give you a natural and strong energy boost, you should use it in moderation especially in the beginning when your figuring out how much you need/want for your body. Yerba Mate is an herb that you prepare like tea. It is a very good and healthy alternative for those who like their daily cup (or 6) of coffee.

Relaxation Encouragers:
Getting enough sleep is a really important part of feeling energized everyday. Sleep is when we recuperate from the day's activities so we can wake up rejuvenated and ready for the next. Sometimes when relaxation and sleep elude you, you may need some extra help. Kava Kava can be an excellent herb to help you relax. This herb can be very helpful when you may be feeling wired up, when your mind is still in work-mode at bedtime or when you've just had a terrible day and need something to take you away from that. You can make a tea with Kava or use a tincture. For the tincture use 30-60 drops in a cup of water or juice. For an even stronger effect, use full fat milk or a smoothie with full fat yogurt or coconut oil, instead of water.
Valerian is a very helpful sleep aid. If you have insomnia and just haven't been able to get so sleep, try Valerian tincture. Start at 10-15 drops in a cup of water or juice, and move up from there to find the right dosage for you.


1 comment:

  1. Nice post. If only I could get more sleep. It has been said that we can count on sleep when we pass on to the other side.

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