Herbal Teas to Increase Energy Levels Naturally
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Herbal teas can increase energy levels naturally
Think about herbal tea if you want to increase energy levels naturally. Coffee is bad news for anyone suffering from low energy levels. Although the caffeine can temporarily relieve feelings of tiredness, it can also create a chemical dependecy in your body - you know that feeling where you just can't start the day without a cup of coffee? When you consume too much caffeine, your tiredness can start to feel worse over the long term.
Caffeine has a strong effect on the central nervous system - it raises heart rate and blood pressure, increases production of stress hormones, and in high doses it can create feelings of anxiety such as heart palpitations and muscle tremors. When taken every day, this constant stimlulation can start to wear out your nervous system, leaving you feeling anxious and stressed all the time, and prone to fatigue.
While coffee can be a useful pick-me-up on an occasional basis, long-term consumption of caffeine can contribute to stomach and heart problems, and can actually leave you feeling more tired. Fortunately there are many herbal teas which boost your energy levels naturually, with little or no caffeine. They can be refreshing and uplifting and they are a much healthier alternative to coffee.
Ginseng is a Chinese herb believed to have energising properties
Best Herbs for Boosting Your Energy
While we often turn to herbal teas for relaxation, there are also various herbs which have a positive stimulating effect on the body. This energising effect is not as harsh as the one produced by coffee, it is a more natural boost. What's more many of these herbs have other beneficial effects such as soothing your stomach, boosting your immune system or improving concentration and memory.
Here are five of the best energising herbs for giving your energy levels a natural boost:
1. Ginseng for energy and resilience. Ginseng is prescribed by herbalists to boost your resillience to stressand stress-related fatigue. It is also popular in China as a revitalising herb for the elderly. Other beneficial effects are: boosts the immune system, helps jet-lag and it is believed to increase fertility.
2. Ginger to uplift the spirit. Ginger stimulates the circulatory system, helping to clear the mind and stimulate the brain. It is very beneficial for the stomach and is an effective natural remedy for all forms of nausea - from morning sickness to travel sickness.
3. Licorice for restoration. Licorice has been described as 'the universal herb'. It has many beneficial affects. Most importantly, for anyone suffering from low energy levels, licorice works to restore adrenal glands which have been worn out by too much stress. It is also an anti-stress mood booster, and it stabilises blood sugar levels so you don't experience an 'energy crash' that has you reaching for coffee and a doughnut in the late afternoon.
4. Ginko Biloba. Another herb very poprular in Chinese medicine for its ability to increase blood-flow to the brain which improves concentration and memory-retention naturally. It enhances energy levels generally, and it also stimulates your circulatory system which helps with varicose veins, cold hands and feet and fatigue. Can raise blood pressure if taken in large quantities over time, so avoid if you have high blood pressure.
5. Rosehip for rejuventation.This traditional tea is a wonderful source of vitamin C - giving it anti-aging effects, and supporting healthy young-looking skin. It has a very refreshing, berry-like taste and is a great way to start your morning.
You can buy herbs already made up as teas - look out for brands containing the herbs mentioned above in your local supermarket. Or you can bulk buy herbs on-line and mix-and-match, crating your own tea blends to suit your unique heath situation.
NOTES: Always consult your doctor before using herbs if you are pregnant, under 18, or if you are taking regular medication for a pre-exisiting condition. These energising herbs work best when taken from time to time rather than every day, as their effect can lessen if your body gets over-used to them.
Green tea leaves before drying process.
Chinese Green Tea Author: Wikimol
Low-caffeine Alternatives to Coffee
It isn't easy to suddenly stop drinking coffee - caffeine withdrawal symtopms can include headaches and irritability. Luckily, there are some low-caffeine teas which still have quite a strong energising effect on the body, making them a great healthy alternative to coffee.
Green Tea has received a lot of positive attention in recent years, and rightly so. It does contain some caffeine, so you can be sure it will boost your energy in the morning, but it also contains antioxidants which protect the body from illness. Early results from scientific studies have noted anti-cancer effects from green extract. Green tea has also won some high-profile fans from Hollywood because it has a natural appetite-suppressing effect, and it encourages the body to burn fat.
Yerba Mate is a favourite tea in Argentina which has recently become more widely known due to famous fans such as Madonna. It is prescribed by herbalists for its reviving properties. It does contain some caffeine but in a more natural and less damaging form than processed black tea. This herb tea stimulates the brain and nervous system more gently than coffee. It is traditionally prescribed as a general tonic for people who have become exhausted due to stress.
How to use Herbal Teas
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Comments
Crystal on July 03, 2018:
Thank you!
Carmen cruz on February 25, 2018:
What tea is good for energy
Cori on April 10, 2016:
Thanks for the info. Just a word of caution regarding yerba mate: I became chemically dependent on yerba mate, so I wouldn't recommend drinking it in a daily basis.
Marie McKeown (author) from Ireland on July 19, 2015:
Thanks! Keep up the tea drinking!
Victoria B on July 15, 2015:
Great hub! I really enjoy peppermint tea and Oolong tea. Voted up!
Claudia Smaletz from East Coast on February 18, 2012:
I am a big fan of yerba mate without the over anxious by product of coffee consumption.
epigramman on March 24, 2011:
...I always enjoy a nice cuppa of green tea flavored with mint or mandarin orange or honey .... but now you have turned me onto Irish whiskey - lol lol - and of course your world class hubs in which you have done such a hubsplendid job ......
Marie McKeown (author) from Ireland on March 14, 2011:
Hope it is useful for your wife mcrawford76. Pretty much everyone seems to like peppermint so it can be a good introduction to herbal tea ...
Matthew I Crawford from Greeley, Colorado on March 13, 2011:
I'm going to send this one off to my wife. I just bought her a nice tea set for our anneversary, but she didn't like the tea that I'd bought with it (I think it was Jasmine). Maybe this will help her find one she likes.
HerbalMama from United States on March 13, 2011:
Sure. I don't mind - its important info.
Marie McKeown (author) from Ireland on March 10, 2011:
Thanks for the feedback! I had forgotten to write that about licorice - will add in your suggestions if that is OK?
HerbalMama from United States on March 10, 2011:
Great article! These herbs are indeed great for boosting energy and vitality - and tasty besides. :D One note of precaution: licorice root has a known interaction for those suffering from high blood pressure. In the US, according to the American Heart Assoc, one in three adults has this condition and for them, long term use is not recommended. Also, with energy herbs like ginseng, most herbalists do not recommend using it for more than a few weeks without taking a week or so off to "rest".
