Herbs And Foods That Make You Feel More Awake And Alive
The Egyptians are credited with the unique distinction of being able to extract aromas and oils out of plants to enhance their spiritual and physical senses. The Chinese and Indians were also using essential oils as well as the Celts and other European people.
Someone asked me for this the other day saying how they were just so tired all the time and feeling too old too young. Coffee and tea doesn´t really help.
Since times immemorial, human beings have used plants for medicinal, beauty enhancing, and sensory purposes. Plant barks, roots and leaves have provided remedies for many diseases, dating back thousands of years.
Best energy Raisers
wild berry extract derived B-12 in a tincture, something completely natural, and helps quickly
Juicing Fruits and Veg
Virtually any fresh fruit or veg will go in the juicer; beet juice, blueberries and raspberry etc. If you don’t have a juicer yet then don’t worry just eat the fruit as it is, many studies show the benefits to increasing these great foods in your daily diet.
Tincture all the way
Using tinctures you can adjust the dosage in drops to fit your needs, and it absorbs beneath the tongue NOT in the digestive system where you could lose a large percentage of the nutrient.
Yervamate Tea
The Yerva Mate plant is grown and processed in South America, specifically in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil.
I fell in love with Yerba Mate following a trip to South America some years ago. I really enjoy the flavor and it’s awesome for energy and healthy living but beware it does contain traces of caffeine.
Intermittent Fasting
Fasting in a healthy way helps to maintain high energy. As you eat, your body will focus on digestion 3 times a day – never taking a break. But if you don’t eat until noon you might get a higer dose of energy that way. Just be careful to drink water as you go and if peckish nibble some raw veggies! For your meals stick to light foods that are easy to digest eg salads; you will feel a lot of energy come your way.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a perennial flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It grows naturally in wild Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, and can be propagated as a groundcover. Rhodiola rosea has long been used in traditional medicine for several disorders, notably including treatment of anxiety and low energy. Check it out if your looking for something different.
Ginseng all the Way
Ginseng has been used for centuries to rejuvenate the Adrenal Glands if you are suffering from Adrenal insufficiency or low energy. It is not a stimulant but works to help the body at times of stress.
Gingko
Similar to Ginseng Ginkgo biloba is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct. It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated, and was cultivated early in human history. It is great for helping blood flow through the body and a valuable tool in my arsenal.
Ashwagandha
Known as the Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing, has been used since ancient times for a wide variety of conditions. It is most well-known for its restorative and rejuvenating benefits. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse,” indicating that the herb has the potential to impart the vigor and strength of a stallion. The ashwagandha root is also reported to have a smell reminiscent of horse sweat.
Saint John’s Wort
Take care to consult with your doctor first on this one if your on medication but St Johns Wort can pick you up through the darkest winter blues.
Chinese Herbs
Staying away from the – Check into Chinese herbs there are a few like caffeine but I cant recall the names right now
The Ginger Jug
Try ginger root grated up & brewed as a tea. I keep it in a jug in the fridge and drink in mornings.
Spearmint or Peppermint
I dont know did I already mention this but spearmint should do the trick to get you back in the vouge, a fresh tea any time of day will do the job.
Getting Physical for Yoga
yoga by far is an awesome way to stretch and bend the body into a better state. Much of the fatigue and stress just goes away if you just realign those energy flows with a bit of yoga.
Other Supplements
Some supplements worth looking into: CoQ10, PQQ, acetyl l-carnatine, omega 3, and B vitamin complex. They all improve mitochondrial function through various mechanisms, which will improve your energy efficiency from the cellular level on up.
What not to Eat
Get flour and fried foods out of your diet as much as possible. Shop on the perimeter of the grocery store, meaning: fresh veggies, fruit, meat, some dairy.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are great. Of our body weight, about 90% is microbial life, so make sure you have healthy flora in your body. Most of our neurotransmitters are made in the stomach, so that’s another reason to eat healthy.
Lets not Forget
For me true energy is spiritual. When did you lose your passion for life? Did you have an awesome dream recently? What made you really happy?
Adding food or chemicals or herbs to your body helps your body. But don’t forget real energy is your human spirit.
Why not Incense Yourself
burn sage or bay leafs in small quantities for easing or energizing. They do a great job of clearing the mind and making space for positive thoughts.