Stimulate your stamina with choice energy-enhancing herbs

Better Nutrition, Oct, 1996 by Julie A. Puckett

We live in a caffeine culture. Unfortunately, caffeine can raise blood-cholesterol levels, deplete B vitamins, irritate the stomach, and possibly lead to breast and prostate problems, according to Mark Mayell, author of Off-the-shelf Natural Health.

It may put your mind at ease to know that caffeine is not your only choice when it comes to stimulating your energy levels. Natural substances like herbs can increase stamina in a variety of ways.

Three ways that herbs work with your

body to improve energy levels

Nervous system stimulants. These have an effect on physiological functions, such as an increase in alertness or an elevation in mood. This happens due to an increase in adrenaline that causes more blood to move to muscles and the brain and less to the digestive organs.

Guarana. Although actually containing caffeine, the seeds of the guarana plant are known for naturally increasing mental alertness and fighting fatigue. The seeds from this South American jungle shrub are used regularly by Brazilian Indians in a traditional beverage and are used in this country to treat headaches, paralysis, urinary tract irritation, and diarrhea.

Ginseng is one of the most popular healing herbs in both the East and West. Ginsenosides are the primary active ingredient in this non-caffeinated herbal stimulant. People take this herb to boost energy levels, enhance memory, lessen effects of stress, and improve performance. According to Mayell, some research shows that ginseng's anti-fatigue action is "due to stimulation of the central nervous system" and it "may also increase nonadrenaline levels."

Ginseng's effects vary per individual. Some report it is less potent than caffeine; others find it too strong. Its effects are usually gradual - recognized after weeks or months of regular use.

Circulatory stimulants. Herbal circulatory stimulants, often called "heating" herbs, increase blood flow through the body. Although how this occurs is not fully understood, it may be caused by more oxygen and nutrients reaching body cells due to increased blood flow and metabolism.

Ginkgo. This herb's stimulant power is said to have ancient mystical roots - its extract comes from the world's most ancient tree species. Ginkgo biloba has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat asthma and coughs - a use supported by recent reports in the British medical journal, Lancet, that the herb has antihistamine properties. A standardized extract of ginkgo leaves containing the active ingredient, heterosides, has been shown to benefit circulation and immune function.

There is also evidence that ginkgo may be effective in treating problems associated with cerebral blood flow, such as short-term memory loss, headache, tinnitus (ringing in the ears, and depression. "Clinical and pharmacological studies have shown that [ginkgo biloba] promotes vasodilation and improved blood flow both in the arteries and capillaries," says Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D. in the book, The Honest Herbal.

Ginger. The Chinese have used ginger for thousands of years, both as a flavoring and as an herbal remedy. Ginger contains several volatile oils that may be the source of its mild stimulant effects on circulation. Ruth Winter, M.S., author of A Consumer's Dictionary of Medicines, says some studies show that "ginger root is a mild stimulant for the heart and brain and may even help ease learning." Ginger tea is said to stimulate appetite and Thai ginger may contain a component that acts as a bronchodilator and thus may be effective in treating asthma.

Strong, yet subtle, choices

Nerve tonics. An excellent long-term plan for those looking to increase their energy is nerve tonic herbs. These strengthen the overall nervous system which leads to an increase in average daily energy levels. They have an immediate, yet less obvious, stimulant effect that is safe enough to take on a daily basis.

Gotu kola, a well-known tonic herb, is usually included in the "energy" sections at health food stores. However, do not confuse this herb with the caffeine-containing herb, kola nut. Gotu kola, a staple of Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a weedy-looking herb that contains active triterpenoid compounds. It is used as a tonic in the East and West to increase energy and endurance, improve memory and mental stamina, and alleviate depression and anxiety.

Many energy-enhancing herbs are available at your local health food store, individually or in combination formulas. Look for these and others to help you naturally stimulate your energy levels and increase your stamina.