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Feeling Sluggish? These 3 Energizing Herbs Could Help*
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN is Vice President of Scientific Affairs at mindbodygreen. She received her bachelor's degree in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania and Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia.
Feel your energy dip throughout the day? Always get a little sleepy around the mid-afternoon slump? Eating a nutritious diet, improving your sleep, and getting your body moving should all keep you more alert and focused. But for those days when you need a little extra support, preliminary research shows that these three herbs can all help boost energy levels.*
1. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus):
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, is an adaptogen—a category of herbs that help balance the body's stress response.* It's often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to invigorate qi, or life force energy.
It may improve exercise performance and endurance1, according to one small study on male college students.* It's also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties2 in animal studies of mice.* Finally, it shows some promise for boosting energy after exercise3,* so it might be a good one to throw in your gym bag.
Note: If you have high blood pressure, it's best to avoid this herb since it might elevate it further.
How to use it:
Eleuthero can be consumed in many forms, and it's commonly taken in teas, tinctures, and supplements in capsule or softgel formats.
2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another popular adaptogen. It's been used in Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years and is increasingly popular among modern-day wellness devotees.
It has many potential benefits including supporting a normal inflammatory response4, helping promote healthy blood sugar5, and reducing stress while fostering a sense of calm6.*
Like eleuthero, ashwagandha might help boost athletic strength and promote quicker recovery7.* In Ayurveda, it's also used to support healthy energy levels.*
How to use it:
Ashwagandha is traditionally found as a supplement or powder that can be added to smoothies, lattes, and other beverages.
3. Oil of Oregano (Origanum vulgare):
Oregano oil is made from dried oregano plants, which contain high levels of antioxidants8 that can help support your body's immune response.*
It's also been shown to aid in digestion in preclinical studies9 and fight off energy-zapping bad bugs10 that can contribute to gut microbial imbalance.*
How to use it:
You can find oregano oil in tincture and softgel supplement form. The tincture's flavor can be quite intense, so consider combining 1 to 2 drops with a water and apple cider vinegar blend to start to mask the taste.
Shop the story:
You should avoid experimenting with herbs if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication for a mood disorder. Consult with a health care provider before taking any new herbal supplements.
10 Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21793317
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235467/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16355078
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695282/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266766/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152729/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4903144/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11855736
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