Top 12 Herbs to Give You Energy All Day Long

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you feeling constantly tired? Listless? Are you worn out by 3 or 4 PM? You could always turn to coffee or energy drinks but those are all short term solutions. Coffee and energy drinks only give you sugar and chemical additives that aren’t healthy, and they won’t get you more than two or three hours further down the road.

Why not try natural means of boosting your energy levels? There are plenty of herbs from Mother Nature that will boost your energy levels on a cellular level and that energy will last from sunup to sundown. Keep reading for some of the best herbs known to man that will turn you from couch potato to marathon champion. Well, ok, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you will absolutely notice the difference in your energy levels after consuming one of the following for at least a 30 day period.

1. Gingko Biloba

Gingko is great not only for energy but as an effective memory aid. Gingko biloba improves blood flow and oxygen to the brain. A Swiss study discovered that extracts from gingko biloba improves the mitochondrial activity in the brain while reducing oxidative stress, which can slow Alzheimer’s disease. Gingko is well known for improving energy levels for people of all ages.

2. Green Tea

Like ginseng, green tea is loaded with energy boosting effects. Studies show that as well as having anti-cancer compounds, the powerful antioxidants in green tea can stop premature aging, which can give you youthful like energy. Green tea does contain caffeine, but unlike coffee, it has antibacterial compounds that fight infection. Your energy won’t come so much from the caffeine, but from the antioxidant power this tea has. If you consume matcha green tea, you can get even more benefits from the nutritional content of the solids in the tea leave themselves. Always brew green tea fresh as the stuff they sell in cans and bottles has been so processed that it has almost no nutritional content or health benefits.

3. Holy Basil

Holy basil (ocimum tenuiflorum) has been greatly studied and has been found to be equivalent to many of our modern day over the counter pain killers. Holy basil is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and has been used to stop headaches, colds, inflammation, as well as improve energy levels. Recent studies show that it contains strong antioxidants and that it can reduce cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels.

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4. Asian Ginseng

Asian Ginseng, sometimes referred to as Panax ginseng, is a root that is taken orally and is known for being an adaptogen and an aphrodisiac, as well as providing the body with nourishing stimulants. This is perhaps one of the most well studied herbs in the world and is also the most widely used. Asian ginseng is a proven anti-inflammatory, regulates blood sugar, and has been shown in studies to help fight against certain cancers. It is most commonly used to promote a sense of well-being and to improve energy levels. In fact, many of today’s energy drinks contain ginseng extracts. A study done in 2002 found that ginseng improved sexual performance as well as increased libido. You can’t do all that without energy, friends! Read also why ginseng is called immortality herb.

5. Garlic

Another “G” herb that not only improves energy, but is one of the most effective ways of supporting your immune system. In one study done with mice, consuming garlic was shown to have positive effects on red blood cells, which gives your body more oxygen. More oxygen to the cells in the body means more energy for you.

6. Rhodiola Rosea

If you have super low energy levels, try rhodiola rosea. Well known for being a terrific herb to deal with stress, it’s also thought to strengthen the body and make it more resilient to physical changes. It has the ability to improve performance and one study showed the rhodiola works by increasing the oxygen capacity of your red blood cells. This herb also offers you protection from oxidative stress. It will also help you obtain better sleep quality, which is sure to turn into more energy during the day. Moreover, it is known for its ability to boost your brain and memory power.

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7. Ashwagandha

Like gingko, this is one of the most popular herbs for improving energy available today. This herb is known to increase the body’s vitality, energy, endurance and vitality. Super well-known in Asia, but becoming popular in America, ashwagandha is believed to be effective at improving longevity as it supports the immune system as well.

8. Reishi Mushrooms

This is a powerful herb that not only improves your energy levels, it also kicks your immune system into high gear. Reishi mushrooms are known for promoting as sense of calm and well-being. Research shows that this mushroom has powerful substances that makes it effective against certain types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, insomnia, asthma, hepatitis B, and it fights fatigue as well.

9. Cacao

Everyone has heard that chocolate is a good energy booster, but the active ingredient in chocolate that makes it a great energy booster is cacao. It’s the theobromine in cacao that stimulates the central nervous system of the body, similar to caffeine, but more effective. Instead of eating those sugar filled chocolate bars, look for cacao in your health food store.

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10. Licorice

Studies show that licorice regulates the production of hormones that your adrenal glands put out. These hormones are associated with physical and emotional stress. Stress can really zap your energy levels so consuming licorice will help get those hormones under control and increase your energy as well as your stamina levels.

11. Maca

Native to the high Andes Mountains of Peru and Bolivia, this plant has been harvested and used for centuries. Maca is super for reducing fatigue, as well as improving endurance and energy levels. With more than 5 phytochemicals, maca has rejuvenating effects on the body. It is nutritionally dense and is a super food that gives super energy!

12. Gotu Kola

The dried leaves of gotu kola stimulate the blood circulation in the body and in clinical trials this has been shown to improve brain function, memory, as well as give tons of energy to the body.

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