Activities that require a high physical effort They usually generate a feeling of tiredness known as fatigue. But this can also appear in response to other factors, such as mental stress wave lack of sleep.

What can indicate constant fatigue?

Normally The symptoms of fatigue disappear with rest and reducing stressbut if they persist they may be a sign of some health disorder, so you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Endocrine imbalances, infections or mental disorders such as depression, the intake of substances such as alcohol, other drugs and some medicationscan also induce physical weakness and fatigue that does not improve with rest. In some cases, fatigue can even appear due to exposure to loud noises, extreme temperatures, or resting in environments with excess light.

Medicinal plants for fatigue

The medicinal plants and their extracts can help us prevent feeling tired either promote faster recovery when fatigue persists.

Adaptogenic species help reduce stressbut we can also resort to energizing, recovery, remineralizing, cleansing, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing plants.

The ideal is to detect the cause of fatigue and choose the most appropriate ones in each case.

purple basil

Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is grown in fertile, well-drained soil and requires direct light. It is an ideal remedy for when prolonged physical efforts are made.

• Parts we use: Dried leaves, rich in flavonoids and essential oils.
• Properties: Antioxidants, hypoglycemics, anti-inflammatory, healing, immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, gastroprotective and antimicrobial. Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, considers it a sacred adaptogenic plant.
• When to use: In case of physical stress and muscle fatigue produced by prolonged efforts. It also accelerates convalescence in colds, inflammatory processes and fever.
• How to take: As an infusion, prepared with 6 g of basil per cup, up to 2 times a day.

Schisandra

The schisandra (Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baillon) is found in regions of China and Russia with cold climates. It grows in well-drained and moist soils. Helps for both physical and mental fatigue.

• Parts we use: The fruit, which is harvested at the end of summer. For medicinal use it comes dried or steamed.
• Properties: Traditionally, it is attributed with stimulating effects on the nervous system, adaptogens, tonics and liver detoxifiers. It also acts as an antitussive.
• When to use: For reduce the feeling of fatigue and promote physical and mental performance. As a natural remedy to gain weight and muscle strength.
• How to take: Dried fruits in infusion and in supplement form. Avoid if you have hypertension or during pregnancy.

Rosemary

The rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is very common in Mediterranean countries, it grows especially in limestone soils, in garrigues and bushes. Very useful as a relief for muscle fatigue.

• Parts we use: Whole dried leaves, rich in essential oils.
• Properties: Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antiseptic, digestive and stimulant.
• When to use: As a mild stimulant in case of physical and mental fatigue. It acts on the central nervous system, improving mood and reducing the feeling of fatigue and muscle weakness.
• How to take: In infusion of 2 g of rosemary per cup, 1-2 times a day, or the fluid extract or tincture. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation and in liver pathologies.

black currant

He black currant (Ribes nigrum) is found mainly in European territory, in soils rich in organic matter and well drained. Withstands low temperatures. It is very useful for fatigue derived from sports.

• Parts we use: The fruit, rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C.
• Properties: Antioxidants, immunoregulators and muscle recovery.
• When to use: For the rrecovery after exercise; to stimulate the immune system and promote athletic performance and to reduce oxidative damage caused by intense activities.
• How to take: The ripe fruit in the diet of athletes; the concentrate in energy drinks for athletes and the powdered extract in shakes to promote muscle and physical performance.

Guarana

He guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth) is found in humid areas of Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil. It is ideal for increasing energy.

• Parts we use: The seed without external protection and dried. It is roasted and pulverized.
• Properties: Rich in caffeine and tannins, it acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is tonic and energizing.
• When to use: Help accelerate recovery in case of asthenia, fatigue and convalescence. Promotes weight loss. The European Medicines Agency admits traditional use against symptoms of fatigue.
• How to take: 1 to 3 g per day or the equivalent in capsules or tablets. Avoid in case of cardiovascular pathology, gastric ulcer and disorders in which caffeine should be avoided.

rhodiola

The rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is native to China, the Himalayas and Siberia. It grows at 1,500-3,000 meters above sea level on rocky slopes and grasslands made of siliceous rocks. It is useful against asthenia.

• Parts we use: Root and rhizome, rich in rosarines and flavonoids.
• Properties: It is adaptogenic, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and immunoregulatory.
• When to use: Traditionally, for improve muscle endurance and help achieve a healthy weight. The European Medicines Agency approves its use for relieve fatigue, weakness and asthenia.
• How to take: Decoction of the dried and chopped plant, 1-2 cups a day. The extract is sold in capsules and tablets.

wintergreen

The wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is native to North America and prefers cold climates, acidic, well-drained soils. It is a natural pain reliever.

• Parts we use: The leaf extract, known as Wintergreen, rich in gaulterin.
• Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, diuretic, digestive and stimulant.
• When to use: For relieve inflammatory disordersespecially rheumatoid arthritis, and reduce muscle pain caused by excessive effort. It is also used in oral hygiene products and cosmetics.
• How to take: In the form of essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of the leaves. It is mixed with vegetable oils for topical use.

Alfalfa

The alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is found in arid soils, vacant fields and in crops for animal feed. Alfalfa is a good mineral recharge.

• Parts we use: The aerial top (stems, leaves and flowers).
• Properties: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it stands out for its lipid-lowering activity. In addition, it is diuretic, aperitif, purifying, antihemorrhagic and astringent.
• When to use: In it anemia treatment and nutritional deficiencies. It promotes recovery, eliminates toxins and works as a tonic.
• How to take: Powdered or in extract, in the form of tablets, capsules or fluid extract. It is contraindicated in case of gout and autoimmune disorders and if anticoagulants or corticosteroids are being taken. Avoid for prolonged periods.