Special Herbs That Increase Energy

There are two groups of herbs that increase energy, the herbal stimulant group and the adaptogens. Stimulants increase the heart rate, breathing and blood pressure, giving bursts of increased energy. Adaptogens are more subtle. They work by increasing resistance to stress and help us endure longer without feeling tired. They provide us with stamina.

"Herbs" refer to any plant material that is used for medicinal purposes or food flavoring. Herbs are natural and have few side effects unless taken in excess. Combining different herbs can often increase their effectiveness.
Stimulant Herbs:
Stimulant herbs that increase energy have an almost immediate effect on the body. They contain alkaloids that will improve performance initially, but can cause damage to the body with prolonged use. Caffeine is the most well-known alkaloid consumed in the form of colas, coffee and tea. The initial energy burst disappears as our body becomes used to them. We need increasing amounts of the herb to produce that energy burst first experienced. Herbs that fall into this category and should not be used on a regular basis are:
* Ephedra, contains ephedrine, a strong heart stimulant. It can make your heart beat excessively fast
* Guarana and Kola nut contain caffeine. Guarana contains almost twice the amount of caffeine found in coffee beans.
* Khat contains amphetamines, which are used in the drug industries today and have hallucinatory effects.
All of these are forbidden products for athletes. They have side effects when taken in excess. Jitteriness, irritability and insomnia are common, but if they are severely misused, they can cause even more serious effects like high blood pressure and strokes. The one exception in the stimulant category of herbs is licorice. It works to combat fatigue by stimulating the adrenal cortex to prolong its activity. Licorice contains no alkaloids, but is still not safe when used excessively over long periods of time.
Adaptogenic Herbs:
These are known as tonic herbs. They stimulate all body functions, mental as well as physical, to promote health, well-being, endurance and stamina. They provide our muscles with more energy for longer periods of time. Their effects are not instant, so they are best taken regularly for indefinite periods. The most well-known of these are:
* Ginseng group - lessen fatigue and increase endurance. There are several types of Ginseng each have slightly different properties. The best known are the Siberian, the Ashwaganda or Indian, and the Chinese or Korean ginseng.
* Fo-ti stimulates stamina and restores vigor.
* Ginkgo biloba is known to help the brain in dementias, but also increases energy.
* Wild oats is a natural strength enhancer.
* Rosemary is more a mind stimulant and antioxidant.
* Warming herbs, such as ginger and cayenne, increase circulation, so will help cellular energy levels. When taken in combination, they enhance the effects of adaptogenic herbs.
Herbs that increase energy work very well and are increasingly popular. They are, however, inaccessible to most people in their natural form. When considering herbs to boost your energy levels, use the safe controlled doses and balanced combinations of herbs you find in registered herbal supplements. There are several combinations of herbs to increase energy. Remember to consult your doctor first.