In today’s fast-paced times it can be difficult to keep up. Certain plants can revitalize and restore lost enthusiasm.
We could ask ourselves if it really we need help to overcome fatigue or lack of tone. But the truth is that the most consumed drink in the world – apart from water – is tea, followed by coffee. And among soft drinks, cola drinks undoubtedly win. Three stimulants!
Stimulants activate the sympathetic nervous system. This is responsible for maintaining states of alert, essential to address many vital circumstances.
When activating the sympathetic systemblood pressure, heart rate and blood flow to the brain and muscles increase, pupils dilate and appetite increases. The person thus feels more alert and prepared for action.
caffeinepresent in both coffee, tea and cola, is therefore the most common stimulant. It does not usually have adverse effects if it is not abused, but it can create a certain addiction.
Stimulating plants as an alternative to tea or coffee
In a herbalist it is possible to find alternatives, not only to caffeine, but above all to chemical stimulants more drastic consumption, highly inadvisable.
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1. Mate herb
A caffeinated option but softer than coffee it is the mate grass (Ilex paraguariensis), a relative of holly. Uruguayans and Argentines know it well, as it is part of their culture.
They inhale the infusion with a cane (the bulb), passing the pot or pumpkin (the mate) in harmonious harmony.
Mate is a stimulant of the central nervous systemcontains traces of caffeine or mateine, theobromine and theophylline, which exert a energizing action on the central nervous system.
It is indicated in case of asthenia and weaknesssince it helps maintain vital tone and gives a touch of euphoria, but if taken in excess it can cause insomnia and tachycardia.
Properties
- Stimulating
- Antiasthenic
- General tonic
- Diuretic
lipolytic.
How to take it
In simple infusion or with lemon, alcoholic tincture.
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2. Guarana
Other stimulating plantrich in two alkaloids of the methylxanthine family – theophylline and theobromine – but considered free of the addictive effect of coffee or tea, is guarana (Paullinia cupana).
Guarana, an Amazonian plant of growing fame, It contains caffeine and is useful in the short term to boost energy.Its effect is quite immediate, suitable for people who must face demanding taskssuch as teachers, lecturers, opponents, students, athletes and other athletes in competition.
It is considered a good help to overcome inhibitions, Therefore, it is indicated to those who need to be loquacious and witty before demanding audiences in speeches or conferences.
The seeds of this Amazonian liana They are usually taken in powder, mixed in yogurt or juice, or in capsules.
But it should be avoided in case of hypertension.
Properties
- Antiasthenic
- Fatiguing
- Stimulating
- Hypertensive
- cardiac tonic
- Digestive
- Liposuppressant.
How to take it
In powders (mixed in yogurt or a glass of milk), in decoction, liquid extract, tincture and capsules.
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3. Ginseng
A chinese stimulant plant well known that also acts on the central nervous system is ginseng (Panax ginseng).
Increases physical resistance and the ability to adapt to changes and stress.
Chinese herbalists have the root raw. It can be taken as a decoction (one cup a day in the morning), tincture, liquid extract or capsules.
It must be Avoid after mid-afternoon and in case of tachycardia, high blood pressure or insomnia.
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4. Rosemary
A mildest stimulantvery Mediterranean, it is the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Some time ago, rural people already used it to face the hard days of physical work. It is a tonic with a clear repairing effect, useful against physical and mental fatigue.
Stimulates the central nervous system, instills a certain euphoria and energy and helps combat weakness and fatigue.
It is taken in infusion (one or two cups a day) or in alcoholic tincture (about 50 drops a day, dissolved in water or juice).
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5. Kola nut
The kola nut it’s a stimulant with as much caffeine as coffee and that combats fatigue.
It is taken in capsules (maximum 2 g daily), with water or juice. Avoid if taking antidepressants or anxiolytics.
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6. The cocoa shell
cocoa It is a very good source of magnesium, unsaturated fats and vitamins, it contains theobromine, a substance less exciting than caffeine and useful for asthenia.
It is taken in decoction or powder.
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7. Rhodiola
The rhodiola or the call nordic ginseng Helps in states of weakness, reluctance and apathy. Provides energy and physical resistance.
They can be taken from 1 to 3 capsules daily (from 250 mg of standardized extract).
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8. Eleutherococcus
The eluterococcus It is a quick and safe way to gain energy. This Siberian plant is adaptogenic and stimulatingincreases physical resistance and concentration.
You can take 3 to 7 tablets a day.
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9. Mint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a stimulant of the nervous system, which is recommended as a support for reduce fatigue and for relieve spasmodic pain and migrainewith the advantage of its pleasant flavor.
Properties
- Digestive
- carminative
- Stimulating
- Antispasmodic
- Painkiller
- Antiseptic
- Expectorant
- Flavoring.
How to take it
In infusion (three cups a day), in tincture, extract and syrup, and the essential oil in baths, massages and steams.
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10. Jasmine
The essence of jasmine is intended, in the form of revitalizing bath or massageto people affected by nervous fatigue, stress and asthenia.
Properties of jasmine
- Revitalizing
- Antistress
- Euphoric
- Aphrodisiac
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic.
How to use jasmine
The essential oil in a local or complete bath, massage and with an aromatizer.
Applied in a bath or massage, jasmine essence has stimulating and euphoric effects. Guarana seeds are ideal for gaining confidence and eloquence.
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11. Zamarrilla
The zamarrilla or grass of Sant Ponç (Teucrium polium)as it is known in Catalonia, is a discreet bush that grows in mountain scrub and weeds, slopes and marine sandbanks. It has been widely used as edigestive stimulant in popular herbal tradition, especially from the east of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.
Its infusion is considered tonic, diuretic and purifying, very useful to restore appetite and recover vital tone.
A nearby plant, as or more aromatic than the zamarrilla, is the savorywhich blooms at this time of year. Herbalists recommend it for its stimulating and somewhat aphrodisiac virtues.
Properties of the zamarrilla
- Tonic
- digestive stimulant
- Emmenagogue
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
- Purifying.
How to take zamarrilla
Infusion, syrup, decoction for baths and scrubs.
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12. Green nettle
The green nettle (Urtica dioica) stands out for its numerous therapeutic attributes, including its remineralizing and vitamin power.
It is an accessible resource to treat asthenia, lack of energy and states of anemia and weakness.
Properties of green nettle
- Remineralizing
- Vitamin
- Tonic
- Diuretic
- Restorative
- Cholagogue
- Hypotensive
- Uric acid reducer.
How to take green nettle
Decoction of the leaves, liquid extract, syrup, tincture and also fresh plant juice.
As with the Chinese astragalus, The leaves of green nettle are very rich in nutrients.
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13. Chinese Astragalus
Chinese herbal tradition recommends one of its star plants, a legume related to licorice, huang qi or chinese astragalus (Astragalusmembranaceus). Its root is considered an excellent remedy against stress.
Contributes to increasing resistance to fatigue and nervous tension and It is attributed the ability to control body fluids, which favors blood flow, makes fluid retention and the appearance of edema difficult, and combats excessive sweating due to nerves or nervous irritability.
Properties of Chinese astragalus
- Immune system stimulant
- Antistress
- Adaptogen
- Tonic
- Vasodilator
- Anti-sweat
- Diuretic.
How to take Chinese astragalus
Decoction of crushed or powdered root, tincture, liquid extract.
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14. Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica or gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica) It is a highly valued plant in the Ayurvedic tradition. In India it is considered one of the elixirs of longevity (rasayanas).
It is recommended above all as a tonic herb, for overcome apathy, poor digestion and certain nervous statesand it is said that it favors meditation and spirituality.
However It should not be used orally during pregnancy and lactation.
Properties of gotu kola
- Tonic
- Antidepressant
- Stimulating
- Antiseptic
- Venotonics
- Diuretic
- Astringent.
How to take gotu kola
Infusion, tincture, liquid extract. Poultices, baths and powders for external use.
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15. Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn berries (Hippophae rhamnoides)a popular shrub in central Europe, stand out for their richness in vitamin Cand are indicated as a general tonic in case of weakness, asthenia and convalescence, and They increase the body’s resistance to viral and bacterial infections.
Properties
- Vitamin
- Bracing
- Antianemic
- Antiasthenic
- Tonic
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Healing.
How to take it
Juice from fresh berries, syrup, tincture. infusion and fluid extract.
16. American ginseng
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) shares a good part of its therapeutic value with Korean, but with a somewhat softer effect.
It is ideal for overcome states of physical and psychological fatigue, asthenia, atony and lack of motivation.
In Chinese medicine it is considered a yin tonic, to treat weakness and fever.
Properties
- Central nervous system stimulant
- Adaptogen
- Antistress
- Antianemic
- Antiasthenic
How to take it
In simple decoction of the root. in liquid extract, capsules, powders and tablets. For sale in herbal stores.
17. Codonopsis
If we stay in the Chinese herbal tradition, there is a stimulating and adaptogenic tonic: codonopsis or dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula)which can only be purchased in specialized stores.
It is a remedy that acts as a toning and is very useful to combat states of nervous tension, irascibility and stressadapt to situations that require greater resistance and, in short, overcome exhaustion and lack of enthusiasm to face the challenges of each day.
The root of this plant has been proven useful in providing vigor and fighting stress, when this is the cause of general malaise, muscle tension, migraine or gastric disorders.
Properties
- Stimulating
- Tonic
- Adaptogen
- muscle relaxant
- Restorative
- Expectorant
- Antistress
- Anti-inflammatory
How to take it
In decoction of the root, in powders, tincture and capsules.
An infusion to keep…
