Increasing Your Energy with Herbs

Increasing Your Energy Naturally with Herbs and Essential Oils

Life is full of many demands, from working, to family, friends, bills, adventures… It is common to find your self needing assistance to stay focus and needing energy throughout the day. While caffeine-packed beverages like coffee and energy drinks (I would defiantly stay away from energy drinks- I have takin care of quite a few 20 year olds with major heart attacks) might be the go-to for some, they can lead to jitters or crashes. Using plants such as herbs and oils, I have found, to be a clean energy, holistic approach to energizing and focusing my day that don’t leave me feeling run down. It might be the more holistic approach you may consider.

I am a busy momma… and I love it. From exploring the world at the various stages of my children’s life, to increasing my own knowledge, working, to growing toward my personal goals, to sharing and helping others…. It’s easy to loose track of caring for yourself. I find it extremely important to find a balance and listen to the needs of your body. (If you ever find the perfect balance let me know). Through practice I have learned to since when my body was in need of specific nutrients, and with practice I believe anyone willing can too.

As I thrive throughout the day, I have become intentional in reaching for teas and oils to aid in supporting my body throughout the day. Below are some of the common herbs I may use at various times for support.

Herbs for Energy:

1. Rhodiola Rosea: This herb is renowned for its potential to boost cognitive functions, decrease fatigue, and improve mood. This powerful plant is known as natures Adrenal. Rhodiola has been researched and found to be able to enhance one’s ability to manage and adapt to both physical and emotional stress.

I have this plant in raw root form and tincture form in my home. I will sometimes add a few drops to my tea or coffee in the morning. Or even grind my coffee beans and rhodora root together for a cup of coffee. I have found that this gives me a cleaner energy and more focus, without the crash. I will warn you Rhodiola is pretty powerful. My husband has made the mistake of taking some at night… and I woke up pretty happy with the house fully clean.

2. Schisandra Berries: Schisandra Berries are a nice alternative to Rhodiola. This plant too “specializes” in boosting cognitive focus. Many have used this berry to improve concentration and coordination and even reducing anxiety. Both Rhodiola and Shisandra Berries are known Adaptogens (meaning they aid the body with “adapting”). Schisandra Berries as not as strong as Rhodiola but they can provide you with a needed boost and act as an alternative to Rhodiola as you rotate herbs to prevent building up a tolerance.

I have dried Schisandra Berries at home. I mainly use them when creating “daytime cough syrups”, a few focus blends, and even a smoothie or too. The energy I feel from Schisandra Berries is “quieter” than that of Rhodiola, but definitely aids with increasing my focus on a project.

3. Ginseng: This is another popular adaptogenic herb, ginseng has been used for millennia in Traditional Chinese Medicine to combat fatigue and enhance vitality. By helping to regulate the body’s stress response, ginseng can lead to increased stamina and focus. I love adding this herb to my “Pear Soup” (a Traditional Chinese Medicine desert soup to aid with combating illness in cooler months. Only a small piece of the root is necessary.

I have used this herb both in the morning and at night. It has helped me have a peaceful night sleep and an energizing morning. I mainly use this herb for special occasions, it can be pricey.

4. Ashwagandha: Originating from India, Ashwagandha is another adaptogen that can aid in managing stress and bolstering energy. It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to rejuvenate the body and enhance endurance. You may have herd of this herb when trying to balance stress levels in the body. Some will use this herb in the evening around dinner in order to reset cortisol levels and wake up feeling more energized.

I use Ashwagandha mainly when I feel my stress levels are high and mostly at night. I will also use it if I find I am waking up tired too many nights in a weak. I have had some restful night sleeps (despite being woken up multiple time to feed the baby and take kids to the restroom) I wake up feeling ready to go after using this.

4. Maca Root: Macs Root is another commonly used plant for energy. From the Andes, maca is a nutrient-dense root that has been traditionally used to increase stamina, balance hormones, and promote mental clarity.

If you have ever had a green tea latte… It was probably made with Maca Root. This was a common drink I used while pregnant to aid with making it though the day (to my next nap).

Essential Oils for Invigoration:

Plants are so wonderful. If you are not familiar with Essential Oils, I would encourage you to read my previous post Beginning Wellness with Essential Oils: Three Main Ideas about their basics. Essential Oils come from plants- short version they are the healing properties extracted from plants into a concentrated form. They are different and stronger than tinctures. It only takes a drip or two of an essential oils (a quality one).

I have many diffusers throughout my home, which at any given time are filled with essential oils to aid with balancing the mood in the house.

1. Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint Essential Oil is one of my favorites which I use for various reasons. The invigorating scent of peppermint essential oil can provide an instant energy boost, improve focus, and stimulate the mind. Peppermint is known for opening up the airway and increasing blood which is why you can get an energy boost. A whiff of this oil can be very uplifting.

2. Rosemary Essential Oil: Known to enhance brain function, rosemary oil can improve concentration and combat fatigue. Its piney and refreshing aroma can be stimulating when inhaled. I commonly combine Rosemary with other herbs and oils to aid with increasing their ability to work.

3. Lemon Essential Oil: Lemons have such a wonderful scent. They almost smell like a crisp summer morning. The bright and zesty scent of lemon essential oil can elevate mood, reduce feelings of lethargy, and promote alertness. I like combining lemon and peppermint together or adding a drop in my tea.

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil: With its potent and invigorating scent, eucalyptus oil can clear the mind, promote feelings of refreshment, and decrease mental fatigue. Because Eucalyptus works well in opening up the airway and increasing blood flow, kinda like Peppermint, It also could give you more energy (or a restful night’s sleep)

I commonly have a few drops in my tea, coffee, or water throughout the day. I use the oils in the shower, place a few drops in my body butter, diffuser, D.I.Y air fresheners (Pretty much everywhere) As a reminder…

When using essential oils it is important to use a reputable company and follow their instructions. I do not use essential oils from companies that indicate do not ingest. I often wonder if it is supposed to be pure why can I not ingest it? I use essential oils from Doterra and love the research they conduct on their benefits to the body and how to use.

Using a diffuser for essential only requires, a machine, water, a plug, and a few drops of the desired essential oil. If you are applying essential oils topically, using a carrier oil such as coconut oil with a drop or two of the essential oil to the back of your neck or pulse points for a quick energy boost.

Conclusion:

Using plants daily for me has been a life changing. Each year since I started using them, I have seen/felt an improvement in my health. I have also created better habits and am still improving. Nature offers a wide array of solutions and options to aid our bodies with challenges by giving it support. By incorporating these herbs and essential oils into your routine, you can enjoy a natural, sustained energy boost (without the crash), helping you remain alert and vibrant throughout your day. The list of herbs and essential oils that aid with boosting energy and increasing focus is not limited to the few I mentioned here. THERE ARE MANY, MANY MORE. Drop a comment below and which plant you have used to increase energy.

From My Family to Yours,

Jasmine Hutchinson RN, PHN

Want to try organic herbal products… Check out the ReachWellness Etsy Shop for other organic handmade herbal blends, teas, and classes.

DISCLAIMER…THIS BLOG IS INTENDED SOLELY TO SERVE AS A RESOURCE TO HEALTH INFORMATION AND TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS, CAUTIONS, SAFETY CONCERNS, NATURAL REMEDIES, DIY RECIPES, AND NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS RELATED TO ALL ASPECTS OF HEALTH. THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLANATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF ANY HEALTH CONDITION OR CONCERN OR EVEN THOSE ASPECTS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS BLOG. THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE–AND YOU SHOULD NOT USE IT AS–A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR HEALTH CARE GIVEN BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. BE SURE TO SEE A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO HELP ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF YOUR FAMILY.