12 Herbs & Herbal Remedies For Fatigue
Herbs Fatigue
What is fatigue
Physical Fatigue
Fatigue (also called exhaustion, tiredness, lethargy, languidness, languor, lassitude, and listlessness) is a state of awareness describing a range of afflictions, usually associated with physical or mental weakness, though varying from a general state of lethargy to a specific work-induced burning sensation within one’s muscles. Physical fatigue is the inability to continue functioning at the level of one’s own normal abilities. It is widespread in everyday life, but usually becomes particularly noticeable during heavy exercise. Physical fatigue or muscle weakness and/or aches, (or “lack of strength”) is a direct term for the inability to exert force with one’s muscles to the degree that would be expected given the individual’s general physical fitness. Physical fatigue happens when you spend the day working in the garden and at the end of the day you can’t even lift your little toe.
Mental fatigue
on the other hand, rather manifests in somnolence (sleepiness). Emotional or mental fatigue is a tiredness of the mind. It happens when stress piles up, such as having to meet multiple deadlines at work or dealing with the unexpected death of a parent. Mental fatigue may not necessarily include any muscle fatigue. Such a mental fatigue, in turn, can manifest itself both as somnolence (decreased wakefulness), or just as a general decrease of attention, not necessarily including sleepiness. Decreased attention is known as ego depletion and occurs when the limited ‘self regulatory capacity’ is depleted. It may also be described as a more or less decreased level of consciousness. In any case, this can be dangerous when performing tasks that require constant concentration, such as driving a vehicle. For instance, a person who is sufficiently somnolent may experience micro sleep. However, objective cognitive testing should be done to differentiate the neurocognitive deficits of brain disease from those attributable to tiredness.
Fatigue is a non-specific symptom, which means that it has many possible causes. Fatigue is considered a symptom, as opposed to a medical sign, because it is reported by the patient instead of being observed by others. Fatigue and ‘feelings of fatigue’ are often confused. Fatigue is a normal result of working, mental stress, overstimulation and understimulation, jet lag or active recreation, depression, boredom, disease and lack of sleep. It may also have chemical causes, such as poisoning or mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Massive blood loss frequently results in fatigue.
Fatigue is different from drowsiness, where a patient feels that sleep is required. Fatigue is a normal response to physical exertion or stress, but can also be a sign of a physical disorder. Temporary fatigue is likely to be a minor illness like the common cold as one part of the sickness behavior response happens when the immune system fights an infection. Fatigue can really wear you down. Fatigue can rob even the most well-intentioned person of the motivation to get something done. Fatigue is generally considered a more long term condition than sleepiness. Although sleepiness can be a symptom of medical issues, it usually results from lack of restful sleep, or a lack of stimulation. Chronic fatigue, on the other hand, is a symptom of a greater medical problem in most cases. It manifests in mental or physical weariness and inability to complete tasks at normal performance. Both are often used interchangeably and even categorized under the description of ‘being tired.’
Chronic fatigue
Prolonged fatigue is a self-reported, persistent (constant) fatigue lasting at least one month. Chronic fatigue is a self-reported fatigue lasting at least six consecutive months. Chronic fatigue may be either persistent or relapsing. It is a symptom of a large number of different diseases or conditions. Ongoing fatigue can be the signal that something more serious is going on in your body. Chronic fatigue symptoms can be:
Anemia
Arthritis
A slower-than-usual thyroid (hypothyroidism)
An underlying sleep disorder
Cancer
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Diabetes
Heart disease
Herbal Remedies for Fatigue
If you have persistent fatigue, it’s important to see your doctor. However, for less severe symptoms, there are a few home remedies that might help you deal with fatigue. Typical short-term solutions such as caffeine, tobacco, sugar and other stimulants are ultimately debilitating for the hormonal and nervous system. Nutritional supplements can play an important role in your chronic fatigue recovery program. They help stimulate your immune system, glands, and digestive tract, and they can help stabilize and relax your mood. They also promote good circulation of blood and oxygen to the entire body, a necessity for high energy and vitality.
Herbal adaptogens help support the adrenal gland that regulate the body’s energy supply. Bitters support the process of turning the food we eat into the energy that we need to thrive, and are very important to those whose fatigue is caused by gall bladder problems. Avoid reliance on stimulants, even natural ones such as tea and coffee. The short term boost disappears to leave you more fatigued than you were before you took them. That is why home remedies for fatigue syndrome are the best long term option to compliment your treatment.
Herbal medicines should be directed toward the underlying causes, but for simple fatigue, tonic and adaptogenic herbs can be relied upon. These have the ability to increase vitality and well-being, balancing and improving the function of the body’s major control systems—immune, hormonal, cardiovascular and nervous. Thus they are particularly suitable for the effects of prolonged stress, both physical and psychological. This class of botanical medicines can help compensate for and overcome the effects of overwork, depression, prolonged illness and convalescence after illness. In this list of home remedies for fatigue syndrome you will find the whole spectrum of benefits.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an age-old energy booster. This root has a sweet, licorice-like taste and has been used for thousands of years to treat weakness and exhaustion. Be cautious: Don’t take ginseng unless you are really fatigued. It can be too stimulating if you’re feeling fine. Buy the Asian ginseng. Another variety, Siberian ginseng, may not be as potent as the Asian variety. Both Asian and Siberian ginseng varieties of the herb have been labeled “adaptogens.” That means they help you adapt to stresses in your environment. You can buy ginseng powder at a reputable herb shop. Take 2 grams of ginseng powder a day for a six-week stint. Then take at least a two-week break before using the energizing herb again.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Adaptogenic herb, excellent for exhaustion, fatigue, immune weakness. For effects of long stress (physical, emotional, mental) or after illness. Increases mental alertness, work output and athletic performance. Enhances adrenals, increases immunity and protects against toxins. It is one of the primary tonic herbs and one of the most widely used herbs in the world. Eleuthero is often recommended as a general tonic to revitalize people who are fatigued.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Improves adrenal and nervous system capacity. Counteracts effects of stimulants, coffee. Improves liver function and protects from toxins. It is an herb used in traditional Chinese formulas is believed to have an adaptogenic function, acting as an energy tonic that reduces tiredness and sleeplessness. Schisandra is also used as an expectorant and antitussive in colds and coughs, may also help to improve brain efficiency, increase work capacity, and build strength, reduces tiredness and sleeplessness, and may help enhance vision. Re-regulates immune system, helps skin problems, aphrodisiac effects.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
It is considered an adrenal tonic, in particular, it increases production of the very chemicals that aid in the body’s recovery from chronic anxiety and stress. Provides steroid-like factors for the body’s own production of adrenaline, cortisol; thus boosts adrenal function and adaptation to stress. Antiviral and immune-enhancing herb, valuable for weakened states.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Improves appetite, digestion; produces mental clarity and well-being. Increases stamina and strength, augments ability to respond to stress. For convalescence after long illness, extreme stress. Reduces toxicity. High in phytoestrogens, stimulates the body’s hormone production. Note that alfalfa sprouts and especially seeds are potentially toxic.
Bitter herbs
that pack a bitter taste, including the Artemisias wormwood and mugwort can help boost overall energy. Bitter herbs increase endocrine function and improve digestive processes, many people experience a temporary boost of energy after a dose.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)
For general weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath. Adaptogenic herb that stimulates immune function, improves stamina. Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and has antibacterial effects; good for flu, cold. Strengthens people with cancer, after radiation or chemotherapy.
Oats (Avena sativa)
Exhaustion from work, study, illness, drugs, alcohol, sexual excess. Nutritive effect on the brain, rather than temporary stimulatory effect. Greatly sharpens mental acuity, focus, memory before an exam, etc. Eases heart palpitations, effective for insomnia due to overfatigue.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Immune-stimulating effects; increases activity of immune cells (killer cells, etc.), as well as immune-modulating chemicals. D-fraction has shown positive results in Epstein-Barr and chronic fatigue; inhibits virus production, protects cells from attack by toxins.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Improves brain function, memory. Anti-stress, anti-anxiety, relaxant. Strengthens body’s connective tissue and blood vessels, heals wounds. Tonic and rejuvenator, improves fertility, has anti-inflammatory effects.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
It inhibits viral activity and replication of herpes virus and Epstein-Barr. Relieves depression that is a cause or effect of fatigue; improves sleep.
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)
Stimulates like caffeine, but without causing nervousness; calms, balances the nervous system. Improves sleep and mood, reduces allergy. Antioxidant.
Reishi, or Ling zhi
is the extract of the Ganoderma lucium mushroom. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine place it in the highest class of tonic medicines, those who benefit the vital life energy or Qi.
Coconut Oil
Adding coconut oil to your diet has been reported to increase energy, balance hormones, and stimulate the thyroid gland.
Cordycepts (Cordyceps sinensis)
Builds strength, endurance, stamina and immunity. Reduces fatigue, promotes lung and kidney function. Increases blood flow to brain, heart. Increases male potency female vitality. Improves appetite and sleep.
Fluids
Drink plenty of water, juice, milk, or other beverages to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids have been used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. One theory about how they work is that viruses reduce the ability of cells to make 6-desaturated essential fatty acids and supplementing with essential fatty acids corrects this disorder. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 63 people, participants were given either a combination of essential fatty acids from evening primrose oil and fish oil (eight 500 mg capsules a day) or a placebo. After 1 and 3 months, people taking essential fatty acids had significant improvement in chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms compared to those taking the placebo pills. More studies are needed, however, because a later 3 month study of 50 people with chronic fatigue syndrome found that a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil did not result in a significant improvement in symptoms.
Take some time for yourself. Try taking a prayer walk or simply sitting in the garden and meditating on your blessings. Play some soothing music. Focusing on what’s important can restore your energy.
Exercise
Get moving. Exercise at least 30 minutes, three days a week. Walk up and down the stairs in your office building or take a dance class at your local gym. Exercise releases endorphins in your brain that make you feel better and give you more strength mentally and physically to face anything that life throws at you.
Reduce weight
Take off a few pounds. If you’re carrying around a spare tire or two, you can get tired faster. Taking off the weight slowly and nutritiously can restore your energy.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES, HERBAL TEAS, HERBS
