How often do you wish you had more energy during the day but want to stay away from caffeine for that extra boost? In this day and age, just about everyone could use more energy in their day-to-day lives, or at least on those occasional, more demanding days.
To that end, nature has given us some pretty magical gifts in the form of unique and powerful energy-boosting plants and energy-boosting plants and herbs. The beauty of many of these herbs is that they do not necessarily need to be over-stimulating in order to support healthy, vital energy levels.
Some of these herbs are what we call “adaptogens.” As their name suggests, adaptogenic herbs, well, adapt to what your body needs—helping your body achieve maximum performance in a balanced and well-rounded manner.
These herbs work throughout the physiology and support the immune, nervous, and glandular systems, helping the body adapt to stress and maintain stable and healthy energy levels. And for those who are looking for herbal support for the adrenals, adaptogens are often the perfect answer.
Let's explore some of our favorite Ayurvedic herbs—and one mineral pitch—along with our top herbal formulas for energy.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of Ayurveda's most celebrated and best-known adaptogens. One of ashwagandha's benefits is its ability to promote healthy energy levels throughout the day and sound, restful sleep at night.
But the benefits of ashwagandha don't stop there! A widely researched herb, many studies over the years have focused on ashwagandha's calming effect on the mind, its ability to help the body cope with stress, and more.
Ginseng
Ginseng is also a well-known herb for supporting energy in the Western herbalism and Chinese herbalism traditions. Studies on ginseng include a pilot randomized, double-blind study led by the Mayo Clinic on the effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), highlighting its capacity to reduce occasional fatigue and boost overall energy.1
Brahmi/Gotu Kola
Brahmi/gotu kola (Centella asiatica), another adaptogen, supports balanced pitta dosha in the body and is considered one of Ayurveda's top rejuvenatives for the mind. It is well known for supporting the mind and nervous system thanks to its affinity for the crown chakra (a powerful energy center in the head) and has traditionally been used by yogis to enhance the practice of meditation.2
Gokshura
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is used in Ayurveda to support the kidneys and adrenals. Adrenal health plays a huge role in helping the body respond well to stress and sustain stable and balanced energy throughout the day.
Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a well-known herb, but it isn't always recognized for its adaptogenic abilities. A demulcent herb, licorice has wonderfully soothing benefits for the nerves, kidneys, and adrenal glands. It helps the body build resilience to stress and is calming for the mind.3
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a common cooking spice known for its heating qualities, metabolizing properties, and great, spicy-sweet taste. A popular addition to many Ayurvedic formulas, ginger has a wide range of benefits—from promoting a healthy immune system to strengthening digestion—which also help the body feel more invigorated and energized.
Shilajit
While it's not technically an herb, shilajit is a powerful, naturally occurring adaptogen for energy. This mineral pitch is secreted from rocks in the Himalayan mountains and its high mineral content makes it a powerful, rejuvenating ally for many areas of the body—especially the adrenals.
Taking Adaptogen-Packed Herbal Blends
What's potentially better than taking one of these powerhouse herbs on its own? Combining them into formulas! Here are three of our favorites:
7-Herb Energy
If you'd like to take all of the herbs mentioned above in one simple formula, look no further than 7-Herb Energy liquid extract.
By blending these herbs together, it creates a product that will not only support your energy levels but also nurture the systems and organs in the body that provide that energy—so as to not lead to a state of burn-out by simply putting the body on overdrive.
This product can be taken before or after demanding activity to help the body return to a state of balance. Or, you can take it as a consistent part of your daily routine to support yourself, especially if high activity and work is a part of your daily life.
Everyday Endurance
Everyday Endurance brings together several top Ayurvedic adaptogens and herbal superfoods, including moringa, shilajit, ashwagandha, and more. Designed for athletes and those with an active lifestyle, this power-packed blend works to optimize physical energy, stamina, and vitality.
Chyavanprash
A traditional Ayurvedic rejuvenative jam, Chyavanprash is packed with adaptogens like ashwagandha along with amalaki and guduchi. It has excellent benefits for the mind and body, bolsters the immune system, and tastes great on toast, in milk, or right off the spoon!
Shakti Prana
Formulated by Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad, Shakti Prana is a rejuvenating blend of ghee, honey, and herbal superfoods, including ashwagandha and shatavari. A thick and satisfying blend, it acts as a deeply rejuvenating wellness tonic for all ages and all doshas.
Simply take one teaspoon in the morning to support balanced energy and replenished vitality.
Stress Ease
Another adaptogen-packed blend is Stress Ease. These tablets were among our first formulas we created, and decades later, they continue to be a favorite for customers and staff alike.
Stress is something we all experience, and sometimes our stress levels can leave us feeling worn out and depleted. This formula combines 11 herbs, including ashwagandha, brahmi/gotu kola, gokshura, mucuna, and ginger, which work together to help the body cope with stress and the associated fatigue. It also helps tone and rejuvenate the neuromuscular system, strengthening the system overall to provide a sustained source of natural energy.
Keep a bottle on hand, and take them at any time of day that works for you. If you're experiencing prolonged stress, try taking them daily for a while so the herbs can fully assimilate through all the tissue layers.
The Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia is abundant, and this is by no means a comprehensive list. Check out our other herbs and formulas for energy for even more ideas to stay energized throughout your day with a little help from some herbal allies.
