6 Healthy Herbs That Increase Focus and Energy Levels
Health should be the number one priority of all human beings, especially for those who aim to be at their best and make the most out of a day. We, as humans, are designed to seek shortcuts. Rather than sleep properly, why not down an extra cup of coffee, right? While getting those eight (or six, if it works for you) hours of sleep is important, there can be times when time isn’t your best friend, yet you want to be „in the zone” and ready to tackle difficult challenges. Coffee is a bit too mainstream, so here are six other natural energizers that are also good for your health:
1. Kratom
Kratom, or mitragyna speciosa, is a herb that grows in Southeast Asia and part of the same family as coffee. Kratom is quite diverse in its effects which vary from one strain to another. Some strains, such as Maeng Da Kratom or White Vein strains in general, produce energizing and nootropic effects. Lower doses tend to be energizing, while higher doses are more relaxing, regardless of the strain. Kratom reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and it’s widely used for the treatment of opiate addiction. Kratom is also effective in relieving pain, and many people who are experiencing chronic pain have substituted it for traditional pharmaceutical pain-relief medication.
2. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a herb that grows in the Arctic areas of Asia and Europe, and it’s been long used by Chinese, Russians and Scandinavians to increase endurance in the face of harsh living conditions. Rhodiola Rosea is a potent remedy for fatigue and is still popular nowadays as an effective cognitive enhancer. Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body and mind better handle the effects of stress. The herb’s use goes beyond that of a tonic, cognitive enhancer and energy restorer. It can also treat cancer, high blood pressure, and it’s said that it can also increase one’s life span.
3. Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng is one of the most widely researched and long used nootropics in the world. Panax Ginseng benefits are many: is an effective stimulating adaptogen that boosts memory, mental and physical energy, mood and concentration levels. It also has a significant number of health benefits. Panax Ginseng is a potent antioxidant, is believed to improve erectile dysfunction and boost the immune system. Panax Ginseng is particularly effective in increasing brain energy and getting rid of brain fog. Many users also enjoy the feeling of vigor that they experience even after taking Panax Ginseng once.
4. Cocoa
Cocoa is widely consumed all over the world as chocolate, yet the bar that you buy from the supermarket is usually mixed with milk or other foods. Raw cocoa possesses quite a lot of health benefits, in addition to its short-term cognitive-enhancing and physically-stimulating effects. Cocoa improves mood, boosts memory, increases blood flow in the brain and possesses aphrodisiac qualities. On top of that, cacao slows down neurodegeneration and lowers oxidative damage in the brain and body.
5. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally and is widely consumed all over the world as green tea. L-Theanine has many brain benefits, reduces blood pressure, improves quality of sleep and relieves stress and anxiety. It boosts alpha brain waves, which are also triggered when meditating. L-Theanine produces a sense of „calm energy” that is ideal for studying and being productive during stressful times. Because of its low concentration in green tea, using L-theanine supplements is the best way to feel its full effects. Still, drinking sips of coffee over a longer period of time can make the experience a lot livelier. Caffeine and L-theanine work synergistically by removing each other’s negative side effects and increasing the focus factor at the same time.
6. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba has been in use for millennia for its cognitive-enhancing properties and its health benefits. It’s been found to slow down the effects of dementia, improve vision of people suffering from macular degeneration and help balance brain chemicals. According to Dr Ax Ginkgo Biloba has many benefits and is s a powerful energy booster. It’s many students’ first choice when it comes to staying focused in class and during study times.
Which one should you take?
Choosing between the six might be a bit difficult, especially if your budget is tight. The brain chemistry that is different for each of us makes pinpointing the best choice a bit difficult. Some people may find Rhodiola Rosea too strong for their purposes, while others may regard L-theanine as not being energizing enough. The best approach would be to test each one and see which resonates best with your mental state.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19160216
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16493792
https://www.verywellhealth.com/rhodiola-rosea-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-715799
https://therenegadepharmacist.com/benefits-of-kratom/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/cacao/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits
I need to try some of these out, because I am always tired no matter how much sleep I get. I’ve only heard of Ginkgo, so thank you for the other ones.
I am so glad that my article helped you learn some new herbs that can help you have more energy and better focus. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a #healthy happy & blessed day!