3 Herbal Supplements for Increasing Energy

Everyone is looking for the next fix to get an edge, increase their energy, and be more focused.

People with chronic pain and illness are simply striving to be balanced and not so fatigued (IUEV) just to keep up with the simple demands of the day.

There are a lot of supplements and vitamins out there, but some things are not good for you.

What you want is something that gives us energy but does not increase your appetite. The last thing you want or need is to gain weight. So if you are wondering why you're not seeing Ginko Balboa on this list, there are too many bad side effects and one of them is definitely increased appetite.

I'm also not doing including things that are proven stimulants.  Those can also have health consequences far-reaching than just gaining weight.

For example, a course of steroids for me is great at decreasing my neuroinflammation and great for giving me energy but since they increase my appetite, I end up gaining weight, which in the long run will decrease my energy.

Talk about a backfire.


3 Herbal Supplements for Increasing Energy




1. Suma Root

You may have heard of Brazillian Ginseng. It's actually not a ginseng, Suma Root is the official name of this plant from South America.

Suma is an adaptogen that not only increases energy but decreases inflammation and pain. It's heavy in essential minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants and has very few side effects with the main ones being nausea and stomach upset.

Suma root has traditionally been prepared by crushing the roots into a fine powder, which can then be ingested with other foods or on its own, or made into tea.

Recently, Suma has been developed into liquid extracts and concentrated powder capsules.

People looking to benefit from Suma’s energizing, immune-system-boosting, and general adaptogenic effects are probably better off using a powdered root supplement.

However, Suma also has anti-cancer, hormonal, and metabolic properties. You are more likely to achieve these beneficial results from using a liquid extract-based Suma.




2. Rhodiola Rosea

Sometimes called Arctic Root or Golden Root, Rhodiola is considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it acts in non-specific ways to increase resistance to stress, without disturbing normal biological functions. The herb Rhodiola Rosea grows at high altitudes in the arctic areas of Europe and Asia, and its root has been used in traditional medicine in Russia and the Scandinavian countries for centuries.

Numerous studies of Rhodiola in both humans and animals have indicated that it helps prevent fatigue, stress, and the damaging effects of oxygen deprivation.

Side effects were generally mild or moderate in severity. The most common unwanted effects were dizziness and dry mouth.




3. Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an herb that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Gotu Kola grows in the wetlands of Asia. It’s native to China, Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. The above-ground parts are used to make medicine. Also commonly referred to as Centella, Asiatic pennywort or Indian pennywort.

Gotu kola contains many nutrients, which may contribute to its medicinal properties, including several B-vitamins, vitamin C and a handful of phytonutrients such as flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols.

In animal studies, Gotu Kola lowered their version of cortisol (corticosterone) and increased serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Lower cortisol improves long-term memory and lowers aggression. Its active compounds were also able to decrease several inflammatory markers. Asiaticasoide, found in Gotu Kola, increased skin strength and skin collagen to better heal wounds.

While uncommon, side effects may include headaches, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness and skin irritation. If you experience these or any other adverse reactions after taking Gotu Kola, you should discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner.

Additionally, most research advises against usage for longer than six weeks and recommends taking a two-week break if using for an extended period of time.

People who already have a liver disease such as hepatitis should avoid using gotu kola. It might make liver problems worse.