She Strengthens

Boost Your Energy with These 13 Natural Herbs

Feeling drained and sluggish? You’re not alone. When a good night’s sleep and a healthy diet aren’t enough, some people turn to natural herbs to give them an energy boost. From ancient remedies to modern-day supplements, these 13 herbs have been linked to higher energy levels and improved focus.

Ginseng: The Gold Standard of Energy

Ginseng is one of the most popular ingredients in energy drinks, and for good reason. Research suggests that it can sharpen focus and ward off exhaustion. Athletes even claim it boosts physical and mental performance. With its ginsenosides, eleutherosides, and ciwujianosides, ginseng has the potential to give you the energy boost you need.

Sage: The Brainy Superstar

Sage is more than just a herb for smudging – it’s a memory-sharpening powerhouse. Packed with antioxidants like luteolin and quercetin, sage has been shown to improve mood, attention, and memory. In one study, participants who took sage essential oil performed better in memory challenges and felt more mentally energetic for four hours after dosing.

Guarana: The Stimulant

With four times the caffeine of coffee beans, guarana is a natural stimulant that can give you a serious energy boost. This herbal supplement also contains saponins and tannins, which may improve focus and stamina. Research suggests that taking guarana with a multivitamin before exercise can increase energy and focus for a couple of hours.

Bacopa Monnieri: The Memory Aid

Bacopa monnieri, also known as waterhyssop, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat mental health issues like memory loss and anxiety. Research shows that it’s full of triterpenoid saponins, which can boost brainpower and potentially protect against memory loss.

Peppermint: The Minty Mood Enhancer

Need a quick pick-me-up? Try inhaling peppermint essential oil. Science backs up the mood-boosting effects of peppermint, and it’s been shown to improve alertness and brain function. Just remember to use essential oils safely and avoid ingesting them.

Rosemary: An Herb Worth Remembering

Like peppermint, rosemary has a refreshing aroma that can improve mental processing. Rosemary oil contains terpenes that can enter the bloodstream and directly influence brain function. In one study, participants who sat in cubicles with rosemary oil diffusing performed better in tasks that required speed and accuracy.

Rhodiola Rosea: The Burnout Buster

Research shows that Rhodiola rosea can level up endurance, alertness, and memory recall. It’s also been shown to calm anger, soothe stress, and reduce anxiety. In one study, participants who took Rhodiola rosea extract daily reported feeling more joy and had improved depression symptoms.

Ashwagandha: The Ayurvedic Powerhouse

Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to boost focus and energy. Research suggests that it can improve attention span, memory, and athletic performance. It’s also been shown to improve sleep quality, alertness, and general feelings of wellness.

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola): For All the Ailment Things

Gotu kola is another herb used in traditional Eastern medicine to improve mood and focus. Research is limited, but it’s been shown to boost mood, memory, and mental clarity. It may also improve physical strength and functioning.

Maca: The Adaptable Adaptogen

Maca has been having a moment for years, and for good reason. This powdered adaptogen has been shown to improve sexual performance, overall energy, and mood. It may also boost athleticism and post-workout recovery.

Cordyceps: The Fungus Among Us

Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on insects and is known for boosting energy and post-workout recovery. Research suggests that it may decrease inflammation and have anti-cancer properties.

Shilajit: The Mineral Master

Shilajit is a sticky, powder-like growth that grows on rocks at high altitudes. It’s bursting with minerals and fulvic acid, an antioxidant that’s touted as an anti-inflammatory agent. Research suggests that it may improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and boost muscle recovery and endurance.

Schisandra: Keeps the Stress Away

Schisandra is a berry that’s been used medicinally for centuries. It’s full of lignans, which could boost antioxidant levels. Research suggests that it may supercharge endurance and energy during workouts, but more research is needed to prove the connection.

Remember, herbal supplements have the potential to boost your energy and focus, but they’re no substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Always check with your doctor before trying new supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.