Is your mood and energy level consistently low? Do you often feel exhausted for no reason? Do you constantly avoid parties or gatherings because you don’t feel sociable? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be suffering from poor food and lifestyle choices. The health of our mental state is tremendously dependent on the health of our physical state.
There are many things you can do to improve your mood and energy level such as exercising more, sleeping better, eating healthier, etc. However, one of the easiest ways to noticeably boost your energy and mood is by consuming herbal supplements.
A person with natural introverted inclinations is bound to feel tired and low energy after a day of social interactions. However, if you notice a considerable dip in your mood consistently, it might have less to do with your personality and more with your lifestyle. Getting more sleep, exercising regularly, and eating good food can improve your mood and energy. Add natural supplements to your routine, and your cognitive system should be functioning fully.
Why are herbs good for you?
Herbal alternatives are not only safe but also beneficial for the body in many ways. Some of these benefits include:
- Energy-boosting
- Immunity enhancement
- Insomnia treatment
- Physical fitness and weight management
Adding herbal supplements to your routine can produce long-term positive effects for your physical and mental health. Below are some famous herbal choices that support a healthy lifestyle full of energy and vitality.
1. Siberian Ginseng
Ginseng is a tiny shrub native to Southeast Asia. Its benefits include, but are not limited to, stress and fatigue relief, stamina and immunity enhancement, and strong mood-elevating abilities. A famous botanical book, Medicinal Plants Of The World, called Siberian Ginseng a “very efficient way of enhancing energy and mood”. The book also revealed that it was the Russian Olympic team’s secret formula for building stamina and enhancing performance.
2. Astragalus
This powerful herb originates from ancient Chinese medicine. It was used for thousands of years to combat stress and pathogens. As a natural immunity booster, astragalus helps fight against many medical conditions such as the flu. It also increases serotonin levels, helping users overcome stress and depression. Pharmaceutical studies found that astragalus has a unique combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
These properties, in the long term, support the body against severe conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Respiratory issues
- Heart conditions
- Liver-related problems
Overall, astragalus makes you healthier, more energetic, and have stronger immunity.
3. Kava Kava
For centuries, Southern Pacific islands such as Vanuatu and Tahiti used Kava Kava (kava) as a medicinal supplement. It is used in a ceremonial drink referred to as the “peace elixir”, known to provide a sense of joy and contentment. Today, all herbal medicines in the South Pacific region contain this magical herb. In Western science, studies have shown that kava helps reduce stress and anxiety and increase stamina and energy.
4. Nettle
Nettle, also known as “stinging nettle”, is an herbal alternative to tea and coffee. This herb contains a significant amount of minerals and nutrients including iron, chlorophyll, protein, selenium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamins A, C D, K, and most Bs. For this reason, many enthusiasts prefer nettle over tea. Traditionally, nettle was used for anxiety and stress relief, as well as energy enhancement. Nettle is great for those who are iron-deficient because the various nutrients contained within (such as pro-vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin K1, and vitamin C) make iron absorption extremely efficient in the body.
5. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, known as the Indian Ginseng, is related to the Siberian Ginseng of Southeast Asia. Ayurveda, an ancient form of Indian medicine, is considered one of the oldest yet most effective medicinal systems in the world and is comprised mostly of Ashwagandha due to its numerous health benefits. Studies have found many useful benefits for the herb:
- managing stress
- reducing fatigue
- reducing anxiety
- treating mood disorders
- managing depression
- increasing energy levels
6. Maca
Maca is an herbal root that was historically cultivated in Peru, and used for natural hormonal therapies. Now it has become a staple in worldwide medicine. As a supplement, it is commonly used in powder form and mixed into a variety of sugary beverages to alleviate the awful taste of pure maca powder. Maca stimulates the pituitary and hypothalamus glands of the body, promoting better hormonal balance which subsequently reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue. As an adaptogen, the herb enhances your mood, improves physical performance, and increases the sexual desire of both men and women.
7. Lavender
Scientifically known as Lavandula, lavender is considered an herb for beauty and relaxation. Originating from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India, this herb has become one of the most popular herbs worldwide due to its many medicinal and therapeutic applications. Lavender is used to treating many physical conditions including anxiety, depression, stress, and restlessness. It is used commonly as sleep and digestive aid, and as a pain-relieving herbal compound.
8. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a plant that grows naturally in wild Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It increases energy levels by boosting your immunity system and reducing stress on a cellular level. Studies have found Rhodiola useful for overcoming life and work-related stress. Other benefits produced by this powerful plant include:
- Fights against fatigue
- Reduces symptoms of depression
- Improves brain function
- Increases sexual energy
9. St John’s Wort
This yellow-color herb looks like a flower and was historically used to improve general well-being. St John’s Wort is an FDA-approved herbal supplement known to enhance mood and energy levels. According to Psychology Today, this herb helps people with severe mood disorders or depression by controlling the production of hormones. In addition, St. John’s Wort contains chemicals that elevate dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, similar to traditional antidepressants. For these reasons, many people use this herb regularly to live a happy, stress-free, and energetic lifestyle.
10. Holy Basil
Holy basil is another herb originating from Ayurvedic, the ancient form of Indian medicine. Grown and harvested in Southeast Asia, this herb is regarded as one of the most useful for overall brain and body health. As a result, it is often contained in green sauces and marinating recipes. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll, studies have confirmed that holy basil contains a wide range of health-promoting properties including:
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Internal organ protection
This powerful herb is used to treat many other conditions such as diabetes, headaches, fevers, stress, immune deficiency, and upset stomach.
11. Amla
The western side of the world isn’t familiar with Amla beyond its endless source of Vitamin C. However, the fruit has properties that are effective in raw and supplement forms.
The herb promotes memory, calculation, and analyzing skills. It makes your brain healthier and can even assist a person while they are recovering from brain injury.
Amla can also be a big mood booster. When your cognitive functions are working at their best, you feel on the top of your game. This constant state of winning anything you attempt naturally revitalizes your energy.
12. Chamomile
Can you truly talk about mood and energy-boosting natural herbal supplements without talking about chamomile? It has been the go-to medicine for people suffering from sudden anxiety attacks and low energy.
It reduces your symptoms of depression, thus removing the main causes of your low energy.
However, some people believe chamomile has more of a placebo effect than actual healing properties. So, while further research is needed on the matter, there’s no downside to trying it.
13. Licorice
Licorice helps reduce stress by taking care of the adrenaline rush. It is especially effective if you mix licorice root into a cup of tea. The sweet taste also takes care of your sugar craving, improving your energy considerably.
14. Lemon Balm
Member of the mint family, even in the Middle Ages, people would use Lemon Balm to kill loss of appetite, rejuvenate the mood and reduce stress.
It was considered a medicine for insomnia too. There are plenty of studies to give validity to this belief. If one combines lemon balm with other natural herbs, such as chamomile, it can have such a relaxing effect that you fall asleep.
When you wake up, your mood and energy are far better than ever.
15. Kratom
Kratom uplifts your mood and energy by taking care of the symptoms which are affecting your mood in the first place. They have an effect similar to opioids. While considerable research has to be done to say anything with certainty, Kratom helps relieve fatigue and muscle pain and reduces high blood pressure.
There are different strains of Kratom found in red, green, and white color. Each strain has benefits of a specific kind. So research the veins of Kratom before you decide to take them as natural herbal supplements.
Can Kratom Improve Your Mood and Energy?
Although Kratom has been used for thousands of years in Asia for energy, relaxation, and relief, it has limited scientific proof in Western medicine. As a result, Kratom is still not regulated for human consumption of any sort despite estimates of more than 5 million users in the US.
Since 2004, when Kratom was first introduced to the holistic healthcare market in the USA, the use of the plant has come under scrutiny by the federal government. So much so that the DEA attempted to ban Kratom back in 2015. More than 20,000 people signed a petition against the DEA’s proposition which ultimately kept Kratom legal in the USA. Today, hundreds of online and offline stores sell Kratom products in the US and Canada.
In 2016, the Pain News Network (PNN) conducted an online survey about Kratom, collecting over 6,150 responses. 9 out of 10 respondents believe that Kratom is effective for dealing with joint and muscle comfort, and related problems. And 90% of respondents found Kratom “very effective” in treating their medical conditions.
If you are interested in Kratom, there are many useful platforms online where you can acquire more information. Consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any new diet or supplement.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for Kratom, we have them in all forms, from extracts to capsules. However, consult a trusted physician before you consult herbs of any kind.
