Do you find yourself constantly tired?
Is it a struggle to complete ordinary tasks because you feel so utterly exhausted every day?
Maybe you’re here because coffee doesn’t do the trick anymore.
The truth is, you’re not alone.
But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life controlled by fatigue.
Fortunately, there are several natural substances that can give you sustained energy and focus throughout the day–with no caffeine crash.
There was a time in my life when I was plagued with chronic fatigue. It was miserable.
Eventually I got fed up and decided to dig deep into research and experiment with my findings. The result was this list of 13 insanely effective home remedies to naturally boost your energy.
I figured I should share this list with the world since it was so helpful with increasing my energy.
So if you’re fed up with fatigue and want to bring some color back into your life, give one (or more) of these remedies a shot:
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1. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola is without a doubt among my top 10 most favorite herbs. Sometimes called rose root, rhodoila can help your body deal with stress, cure depression, and even regulate your hormones.
But rhodiola is best known for its ability to increase your energy and endurance.
You see, rhodiola is what we call an adaptogen. This means it helps your body adapt to any stresses that throw it off balance.
According to several studies, rhodiola can make your body more resistant to mental and physical stress. In doing so, it rhodiola can help you maintain energy throughout the day.
Think about it…
When you have a stressful day at work, you will naturally feel exhausted and drained. Rhodiola helps you bounce back from these every-day stresses so you can fight off fatigue longer than normal. If stress-induced fatigue is your issue, you may want to pick up a quality rhodiola supplement and give it a try!
2. Wheatgrass Shot (Juice)
Have that sluggish can’t-get-out-of-bed feeling? A shot of wheatgrass juice can give you the kick of energy you need to get yourself going.
I find that many people who try wheatgrass juice for the first time, feel a surge of “clean” energy.
This is because wheat grass juice is an effective way to deliver oxygen into your bloodstream. Wheatgrass also provides a concentrated burst of nutrients to your body including iron, calcium, magnesium, amino acids, chlorophyll, and vitamins A, C, and E.
3. Cordyceps
Cordyceps are a parasitic fungus that grow on the surface of high altitude caterpillars—pretty wild right?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used cordyceps for centuries. They valued it for its ability restore the body from illness.
Today most cordyceps are produced in labs. Thankfully this makes it affordable and environmentally friendly.
Scientific studies reveal that cordyceps can significantly improve your energy by increasing your body’s ATP and testosterone production. And yes, women need testosterone too.
As an added bonus, cordyceps can also improve how efficiently your body uses oxygen. Better management of oxygen means more energy for you.
Cordyceps are the real deal.
Just ask the Chinese Olympic Athletes who broke five world running records at the 1993 Olympic games. Authorities were suspicious of their remarkable speed and had them tested for drugs. They were clean, but the Chinese athletes did admit the secret to their performance was an extract of cordyceps.
4. Schisandra Berry
I stumbled across Schisandra berry after digging deep into my research—it is not well-known but it packs a promising energy punch.
Schisandra berry is native to northeast China and some parts of Russia. The berries are typically dried in the sun and used in supplements. But schisandra is rarely used in foods due to its peculiar taste because it is said to contain all 5 flavor profiles: sweet, salty, bitter, and pungent.
In addition to its energy-boosting properties, schisandra has a long list of uses and benefits.
That’s why schisandra is such a powerful adaptogen for energy.
In fact, multiple Russian studies suggest that schisandra berry increases mental performance, physical endurance, reduces fatigue, and makes the body more resistant to stress. No wonder why Schisandra is thought to be so valuable.
So if you want to improve your energy and endurance, a schisandra berry supplement might give you the spark you need.
5. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (root), also known as Indian ginseng, is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It provides numerous vitality-boosting benefits to both your body and mind. In the past, Ashwagandha was used to treat a range of conditions including immune issues, neurological disorders, and even hair loss.
But where Ashwagandha shines is in its ability to boost your energy. Ashwagandha supports our body’s two most important regulators of our energy: our adrenals and thyroid.
Our adrenal glands play a massive role in how much energy we have—they are like the work horses of the body.
Too much stress can cause adrenal fatigue which leads to insomnia, weight gain, and extreme sluggishness. Ashwagandha keeps our adrenal glands (and it’s hormones) balanced and healthy. That way, our body can be at its fullest energetic potential.
When our thyroid hormones are out of balance, extreme fatigue can also become an issue. Ashwagandha helps regulate our thyroid hormones so our body can do a better job at maintaining a normal level of energy throughout the day.
In short, Ashwagandha supplements can help ensure that your body stays healthy and energized by balancing your hormones.
6. Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero root)
Eastern countries such as China and Russia have medicinally used Siberian ginseng for hundreds of years.
Siberian ginseng was traditionally used to increase energy, longevity, and vitality. Once again, it turns out that the traditional medicine systems were on point.
Like rhodiola, Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen that contains natural compounds which can improve the health of your adrenal glands. Scientific studies have suggested that Siberian ginseng can enhance your energy and improve physical, mental, and sexual performance. Studies have also found that Siberian ginseng can strengthen your immune system.
Just be sure to note that Siberian ginseng is different than Asian or American ginseng. They have slightly different properties.
7. Yerba Mate Tea
At first, I wasn’t sure if I should include yerba mate because it contains caffeine. But I decided to anyways because yerba mate really gives you a kick in the butt. The best part is yerba mate doesn’t make you crash or have the jitters like coffee does.
Yerba mate tea originates from South America. It’s prepared by steeping the dried leaves and twigs in hot, but not boiling water. Traditionally, it’s consumed communally from a hollow gourd with a metal straw.
You can get a yerba mate gourd here. I prefer the gourd but a coffee mug would work just as well.
Those who have tried yerba mate tea swear by its promise of a “clean” caffeine-like buzz. Some claim that this difference is because instead of caffeine, Yerba mate contains a stereoisomer of caffeine called mateine. Whether that is truly the reason is unknown.
One way or another, yerba mate tea is a great option to give you more energy during the day if you drink it in moderation.
8. Spirulina
The use of spirulina as a source of food dates all the way back to the Aztecs in the 16th century Mexico.
But spirulina may not be what you consider to be normal food. Spirulina is actually a blue-green algae. It may sound a little weird, but you won’t regret trying it out.
This blue-green algae is a high-protein superfood—and that’s saying something because I don’t throw around that word often.
Spirulina powder can give you a considerable boost in energy, bolster your immune system, and even promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. A healthy gut is an essential part of living a fatigue-free life.
I’ve tried a lot of brands, but E3 Live frozen blue-green algae stands as one of the best spirulina supplements out there. E3 has unmatched quality and the spirulina is frozen to ensure it’s fresh as possible. It’s worth the extra money without a doubt.
9. Maca Root
Maca root is a superfood in its own right. It’s loaded with an impressive list of nutrients including vitamins B-1, B-2, C, and E, over 20 amino acids (protein), and several minerals such as zinc, copper, and magnesium.
In addition to maca root’s high nutrient density, it also has the ability to restore sexual, endocrine (hormonal), and mental health.
Several studies have suggested that maca root can
- Boost testosterone
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Increase fertility for both men and women
Most importantly, maca root can have a positive effect on your energy, stamina, and mood.
Scientists believe maca root can increase your energy because it stabilizes blood sugar levels and supports the pituitary gland (an essential gland for focus and energy).
It’s best to take maca root powder before exercise or first thing in the morning.
10. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms are one of my wellness “secret weapons.”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi mushrooms were one of the most sought after tonics. Some even refer to reishi as the “Mushroom of Immortality” or “Mushroom of Spiritual Potency.”
Over the past several decades, countless studies demonstrated that reishi mushrooms offer unmatched protection against several diseases and illnesses including:
- Inflammation
- Fatigue (and chronic fatigue)
- Liver disease
- Food allergies and asthma
- Digestive problems
- Anxiety and depression
The list goes on and on.
The point is, reishi mushrooms can bolster your overall health and give you a significant boost in energy.
But, there’s a lot of poor quality reishi mushroom supplements out there–most of them are processed wrong or have a subpar potency. It took me a while to find a brand that meets my standards, but this is the one I finally settled on (and still personally use today).
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has become part of my morning routine because it can fight off that initial grogginess when you wake up.
According to Dr. Mercola, the potassium and enzymes found naturally in apple cider vinegar help banish fatigue.
But heed my warning:
If you plan on giving apple cider vinegar a try, don’t buy any ordinary apple cider vinegar. A lot of products out there are simply apple juice with acetic acid–this is not apple cider vinegar!
What you want is a raw, organic, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You can easily find it at most stores or on Amazon. This will ensure you get the most health benefits from drinking it.
It’s best mixed with water so it doesn’t burn your throat on the way down.
12. Probiotics
Taking a probiotic supplement can significantly enhance your energy levels.
In fact, a recent study discovered that those who have reduced gut bacteria diversity (a poor balance of gut bacteria) were much more likely to experience chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s a condition marked by extreme, long-lasting fatigue.
With this evidence, it’s reasonable to believe that probiotics, which improve gut bacteria diversity, can reduce fatigue.
I suggest that everyone should take a probiotic because we live in a world that destroys our gut bacteria.
As it is with any supplements, you must be sure to pick out the right probiotics. A lot of probiotics are poorly designed so they don’t get past your stomach acid without getting destroyed. To avoid this issue, look for a delayed release & spore-forming probiotic such as this one.
Another way to get more probiotics into your diet is to consume fermented foods on a daily basis.
You may also want to consider eliminating refined sugar from your diet. A strain of unhealthy gut bacteria called candida albicans feeds on sugar. So when you have a high sugar diet, candida can take over the gut, kill off the good bacteria, and make it difficult for your body to digest and absorb nutrients.
13. Magnesium
It’s estimated that up to 80% of people are deficient in magnesium. This is mainly due to poor eating habits and crops grown in depleted soil.
Magnesium is a mineral that’s essential for muscle functioning, blood pressure regulation, and the absorption of calcium. It’s also used in over 300 different enzymatic processes in the body.
Your body relies on magnesium, so when you’re deficient in magnesium it can cause a wide range of issues including:
- Constant fatigue
- Muscle cramps, spasms, and soreness
- Headaches
- Chocolate cravings
- Anxiety and insomnia
What’s sad is many people suffer from these symptoms and have no idea it’s caused by a lack of magnesium. The symptoms, however, are completely avoidable if you get magnesium into your diet. Or if you’re really deficient, a you might need a supplement to restore your magnesium levels.
If you think a magnesium deficiency is causing your fatigue, supplementing magnesium can make a significant difference.
Just be sure to only get magnesium glycinate or stearate. All other forms of magnesium aren’t absorbed well and are therefore a waste of money.
To get the most out of the supplement, take it at night because they can help you relax and sleep better.
Bonus: Vegetable Juice for More Energy
Whenever I feel like my body needs some green vegetables and a big jolt of energy, I take out my juicer and make a batch of fresh vegetable juice.
When you juice vegetables, it breaks down the plant fiber which allows your body to quickly absorb and digest the juice. As a result, you will notice a massive spike in clean energy after consuming vegetable juice.
Vegetable juices are ideal when you feel an illness coming on. It can stop an illness in its tracks.
I recommend that you avoid store bought vegetable juices. They are often loaded with sugar and harmful additives. It’s also important to always buy organic when juicing.
To make your juices even healthier, add a few drops of lemon juice and some ice. This will significantly reduce the oxidation that occurs from the heat in the blender.
If you put ice and lemon juice into the blender whenever you make a #smoothie studies show it will significantly reduce oxidation. pic.twitter.com/PbMikLPhZM
— Naturalife (@naturalifetips) December 11, 2016
If you’re short on time, you could try an organic green juice powder instead.
The Bottom Line
After spending a considerable amount of time researching and experimenting, these are the 13 most effective natural remedies for energy that I have found. Unlike many other lists out there, these remedies are backed by studies and/or actually work (in my experience).
If you are particularly fond of any of these energy-boosting remedies listed here or have any other suggestions, feel free to let me know by commenting below.
I would like to note that if you have extreme chronic fatigue, it’s likely there are some underlying health issues you are dealing with and you should consult your healthcare practitioner. You can also use these energy-boosting herbs to make life more bearable while you look for the underlying cause of your fatigue.
Always consult your doctor before trying any of these supplements to be sure it is safe for you and does not interact with any of your medications you are currently taking.