Have you been overworking lately? Do you feel exhausted most of the time? You must be energy depleted. How does this happen? When your energy output exceeds your energy input you become energy-drained no matter what you do. This condition is caused by overstress. Stress saps your energy without you realizing it, until you are totally spent out. Such depletion is much deeper than you can imagine. This is how it works.
Deep inside each cell in your body there is a mechanism, called mitochondria, that converts incoming nutrients into energy. The produced particles, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) are energy providers. As long as there is a balance between energy input and output you are in good shape. But with emotional, physical, or mental pressures, your body gets flooded by stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. Their effect on the mitochondria is destructive, inhibiting the production of ATP and CP and resulting in energy deficit. Your body starts showing such symptoms: mysterious infections, digestive disorders, fatigue, low mood, and menstruation and sleep disorders.
At this point, you should take action to counteract oxidative stress and restore cell production and energy generation. To make cells re-function efficiently, you need to re-energize cell mitochondria with healing herbs, spices, nutrients, and stress control.
According to Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, is an energy-producing root that acts against fatigue but with long-term use. The Soviets give it to athletes to improve their stamina and enhance reflexes and coordination. Soviet scientists believe that glycosides in ginseng restore spent energy caused by oxidative stress. A dose of 2-3 capsules daily during meals is recommended for months to boost physical power. The root showed efficacy by enhancing immunity in astronauts weakened by radiations during space missions.
Ginseng, the known aphrodisiac, is a leading vitality restorer recommended in Chinese medicine. However, researchers in the US are not as enthusiastic about it. Japanese research found it effective in high doses. It dilates blood vessels, increases oxygen in cells, and controls stress hormone damage. Sexual desire is a good indicator of enhanced energy. No energy, no sexual desire! On the other hand, excessive prolonged use of ginseng contributes to nervousness and disturbed sleep. As it is a blood thinner, it should be discontinued before surgery, and also while taking anticoagulants, antidepressants, cortisone, and diabetes, heart, and hypertension drugs.
Medicinal mushrooms like shitake, miitake, and reishi are known for their healing powers, but others like cordyceps sinensis lead the way for energy. Due to their healing and detoxifying potency, cordyceps boost energy, counteract fatigue, enhance immunity, and improve physical performance. These mushrooms’ fame surfed when a Chinese athletes set new world records, raising suspicion of banned drug use. The Chinese athletes were running on the power of cordyceps.
You will be even more amazed with the following data. According to Paul Stamet’s book “Mycellium Running” cordyceps have antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, anticancer (leukemia, lymphoma, lung) antioxidants, which help control hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, stress, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases; stimulate the liver, kidneys, and nerves; and enhance immunity and sexual performance. Along with their multiple benefits on organs and systems, the mushrooms restore stamina and stimulate cell mitochondria, which ignite energy and reduce oxidative stress. Two grams daily of the supplement or according to physician’s prescription are sufficient for energy-drained individuals. Effects start showing after two months of use. Diabetics should watch for sugar level drops with the supplement. Cordyceps are not good for certain blood cancers.
Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, spices, herbs (Echinacea, oliban — luban shihri) and condiments (garlic, onions) were once valued for their aromatic flavors and magical effects. Recent studies support this hypothesis. They help detoxify and energize the body and improve blood circulation and digestion. They are worth adding to food or tea to enhance taste and stamina. Herb and spice infusions are body cleansers and energy boosters. Moderate activity, deep breathing, and slower lifestyle pace help you through your road to recovery. Therapeutic exercises (yoga, tai chi) and meditation are effective stress cures.
Medication relieves pain and coffee and sugar are temporary pick-me-ups, but they do not address the fundamental problem of your misery and fatigue. Instead, they tend to complicate your condition furthermore. Your body is equipped to heal itself. With the help of nature and its wealth of healing therapies, you can re-energize yourself. Give them a try!
