Beyond coffee, some plants help you feel less tired and face the day with more vitality. Find out how to use them.
In today’s times of constant rush, it can be difficult to keep up. Certain plants can revitalize and restore lost enthusiasm.
We might ask ourselves if we really need help to overcome fatigue or lack of tone. But the truth is that the most consumed beverage 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 alertness, essential to address many vital circumstances.
When the sympathetic system is activated, blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow of the brain and muscles increase, pupils dilate and appetite increases. The person thus feels more alert and ready for action.
Caffeine, present in 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 some addiction.
STIMULATING PLANTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO TEA OR COFFEE
In an herbalist it is possible to find alternatives, not only to caffeine, but above all to more drastic chemical stimulants of very undesirable consumption.
1. MATE GRASS
A caffeinated option but milder than coffee is the herb mate (Ilex paraguaiensis), a relative of holly. Uruguayans and Argentines know it well, as it is part of their culture.
They aspirate the infusion with a cane (the bombilla), passing the casserole or pumpkin (the mate) in harmonious harmony.
Mate is a stimulant of the central nervous system, contains traces of caffeine or mateine, theobromine and theophylline, which exert an energizing action on the central nervous system.
It is indicated in case of asthenia and weakness, as it helps maintain vital tone and give a few touches of euphoria, but if taken in excess it can cause insomnia and tachycardia.
PROPERTIES
- Stimulant
- Antiasthenic
- General tonic
- Lipolytic diuretic
.
HOW TO TAKE IT
In simple infusion or with lemon, alcoholic tincture.
2. GUARANA
Another stimulating plant, rich 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 increasing fame, contains caffeine and is useful in the short term to boost energy. Its effect is quite immediate, suitable for people who must face demanding tasks, such as teachers, lecturers, opponents, students, athletes and other athletes in competition.
It is considered a good help to overcome inhibitions, so 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 are usually taken in powder, mixed in yogurt or juice, or in capsules.
But it should be avoided in case of hypertension.
PROPERTIES
- Antiasthenic
- Defatigant
- Stimulant
- Hypertensive
- Cardiac tonic
- Digestive
- Lip suppressant.
HOW TO TAKE IT
In powders (mixed in yogurt or glass of milk), in decoction, liquid extract, tincture and capsules.
3. GINSENG
A well-known Chinese stimulating plant that also acts on the central nervous system is ginseng (Panax ginseng).
Increases physical endurance and adaptability to changes and stress.
Chinese herbalists have the root raw. It can be taken in decoction (one cup a day in the morning), tincture, liquid extract or capsules.
It should be avoided from mid-afternoon and in case of tachycardia, high blood pressure or insomnia.
4. ROSEMARY
A milder stimulant, very Mediterranean, is rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Long ago the people of the countryside already used it to face the hard days of physical work. It is a tonic with a clear restorative effect, useful against physical and mental fatigue.
It stimulates the central nervous system, instills some euphoria and energy and helps fight weakness and fatigue.
It is taken as an infusion (one or two cups a day) or in alcoholic tincture (about 50 drops a day, dissolved in water or juice).
5. THE KOLA NUT
Kola nut is a stimulant with as much caffeine as coffee and that fights fatigue.
It is taken in capsules (maximum 2 g daily), with water or juice. Avoid taking antidepressants or anxiolytics.
6. THE COCOA SHELL
Cocoa is a very good source of magnesium, unsaturated fats and vitamins, contains theobromine, a less exciting substance than caffeine and useful against asthenia.
It is taken in decoction or powder.
7. RHODIOLA
Rhodiola or the so-called Nordic ginseng helps in states of weakness, reluctance and apathy. Provides energy and physical endurance.
You can take 1 to 3 capsules daily (250 mg standardized extract).
8. ELEUTHEROCOCCUS
Eluterococcus is a quick and safe way to gain energy. This Siberian plant is adaptogenic and stimulating, increases physical endurance and concentration.
You can take 3 to 7 tablets a day.
9. MINT
Mint (Mentha piperita) is a stimulant of the nervous system, which is recommended as a support to reduce fatigue and to mitigate spasmodic pain and migraine, with the advantage of its pleasant taste.
PROPERTIES
- Digestive
- Carminative
- Stimulant
- Antispasmodic
- Analgesic
- Antiseptic
- Expectorant
- Flavoring.
HOW TO TAKE IT
In infusion (three cups a day), in tincture, extract and syrup, and essential oil in baths, massage and mists.
10. JASMINE
The essence of jasmine is intended, in the form of a revitalizing bath or massage, to people affected by nervous fatigue, stress and asthenia.
PROPERTIES OF JASMINE
- Revitalizing
- Anti-stress
- Euphoric
- Aphrodisiac
- Antiinflammatory
- Antispasmodic.
HOW TO USE JASMINE
The essential oil in local bath or complete, massage and with an aromatizer.
Applied in bath or massage, jasmine essence has stimulating and euphoric effects. Guarana seeds are ideal for gaining confidence and eloquence.
11. ZAMARRILLA
The zamarrilla or herba of Sant Ponç (Teucrium polium), as it is known in Catalonia, is a discreet bush, which grows in scrub and mountain weeds, slopes and marine sands. It has been widely used as a digestive stimulant in the popular herbal tradition, especially in the east of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.
Its infusion is considered tonic, diuretic and depurative, very useful to restore appetite and to recover vital tone.
A nearby plant, as or more aromatic than the zamarrilla, is savory, which blooms at this time of year. Herbalists recommend it for its stimulating and somewhat aphrodisiac virtues.
PROPERTIES OF ZAMARRILLA
- Tonic
- Digestive stimulant
- Emmenagogue
- Antiinflammatory
- Diuretic
- Cleansing.
HOW TO TAKE ZAMARRILLA
Infusion, syrup, decoction for baths and scrubs.
12. GREEN NETTLE
The green nettle (Urtica dioica) stands out for its numerous therapeutic attributions, including its remineralizing and vitamin power.
It is an accessible resource for treating asthenia, lack of energy, and states of anemia and weakness.
PROPERTIES OF GREEN NETTLE
- Remineralizing
- Vitamin
- Tonic
- Diuretic
- Restorative
- Colagogue
- Hypotensive
- Uric acid reducer.
HOW TO TAKE GREEN NETTLE
Decoction of the leaves, liquid extract, syrup, tincture and also fresh plant juice.
As with Chinese astragalus, the leaves of green nettle are very rich in nutrients.
13. CHINESE ASTRAGALUS
Chinese herbal tradition recommends one of its star plants, a legume related to licorice, huang qi or Chinese astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). Its root is considered an excellent remedy against stress.
It contributes to increase resistance to fatigue and nervous tension and is attributed the ability to control body fluids, which favors blood flow, hinders fluid retention and the appearance of edema, and combats excessive sweating by nerves or nervous irritability.
PROPERTIES OF CHINESE ASTRAGALUS
- Immune system stimulant
- Anti-stress
- Adaptogen
- Tonic
- Vasodilator
- Antiperspire
- Diuretic.
HOW TO TAKE CHINESE ASTRAGALUS
Decoction of the crushed or powdered root, tincture, liquid extract.
14. GOTU KOLA
The gotu kola or gotu kola (Hydro cotyle asiatica) is a highly valued plant of the Ayurvedic tradition. In India it is considered one of the elixirs of longevity (rasayanas).
It is recommended above all as a tonic herb, to overcome apathy, poor digestion and certain nervous states, and it is said to favor meditation and spirituality.
However, it should not be used orally during pregnancy and lactation.
FACTS OF GOTU KOLA
- Tonic
- Antidepressant
- Stimulant
- Antiseptic
- Venotonics
- Diuretic
- Astringent.
HOW TO TAKE GOTU KOLA
Infusion, tincture, liquid extract. Poultices, baths and powders for external use.
15. SEA BUCKTHORN
The berries of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), a popular shrub in central Europe, stand out for their richness in vitamin C, and are indicated as a general tonic in case of weakness, asthenia and convalescence, and increase the resistance of the organism to viral and bacterial infections.
PROPERTIES
- Vitamin
- Brisk
- Antianemic
- Antiasthenic
- Tonic
- Astringent
- Antiinflammatory
- Healing.
HOW TO TAKE IT
Juice of fresh berries, syrup, tincture. infusion and fluid extract.
16. AMERICAN GINSENG
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) shares with Korean much of its therapeutic value, but with a somewhat milder effect.
It is ideal to overcome states of physical and psychological fatigue, asthenia, lethargy and lack of motivation.
In Chinese medicine it is held as a yin tonic, to treat weakness and fever.
PROPERTIES
- Central nervous system stimulant
- Adaptogen
- Anti-stress
- Antianemic
- Antiasthenic
HOW TO TAKE IT
In simple decoction of the root. in liquid extract, capsules, powders and tablets. For sale in herbalists.
17. CODONOPSIS
If we stick to the Chinese herbal tradition, there is a stimulating and adaptogenic tonic: codonopsis or dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula), which can only be purchased in specialized establishments.
It is a remedy that acts as an invigorating agent and that is very useful to combat states of nervous tension, irascibility and stress, adapt to situations that demand 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 shown useful to provide vigor and fight against stress, when this is the cause of general malaise, muscle tension, migraine or gastric disorders.
PROPERTIES
- Stimulant
- Tonic
- Adaptogen
- Myorelaxant
- Restorative
- Expectorant
- Anti-stress
- Antiinflammatory
HOW TO TAKE IT
In decoction of the root, in powders, tincture and capsules.
AN INFUSION TO KEEP IN TUNE
This pleasant Mediterranean infusion helps to overcome fatigue and feel more energetic without creating addiction.
Ingredients:
- Rosemary, mint, savory and St. John’s wort, in equal parts.
Preparation:
- Separate one tablespoon of the plant mixture per glass of water.
- Put the water on the fire and pour the herbs into a teapot or saucepan.
- Pour the hot water over the herbs.
- Let stand, covered, about 10 minutes.
Directions:
- You can drink up to 3 glasses a day, the last one in the middle of the afternoon.
This article has been prepared with the advice of Josep Maria Teixé, herbalist of El Manantial de Salud.
