Up your energy levels

Some herbal pick-me-ups to put you in a sunshine mood

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner but what if the long cold winter months have drained your energy bank and left you feeling low in mind and body? The answer is to leap into action now and put some spring back into your step. And this is where a few herbal pick-me-ups can help to restore and revitalise you mentally and physically.

IF YOU ARE TIRED

Top of the list comes rhodiola, which grows in the Arctic mountains of Siberia. When you are tired, depressed and low in energy this is the one for you. And if your teenagers are looking for a pick-me-up as the exam season gets underway they may also like to give it a go. 

Essential oils used in a burner or dropped into your bath can lift your spirits. Go for the 'sunshine' oils which include grapefruit, orange and bergamot. Rosemary, basil and peppermint also have stimulating and invigorating properties.

IF YOU’RE FEELING DOWN

A course of St John's wort, sometimes known as the sunshine herb, can help you to lighten up. It is thought that it works by helping to boost levels of serotonin in the brain. You should always consult your doctor before taking this herb in case of adverse reactions with other prescribed medicines.

IF YOU ARE STRESSED

The herbal relaxants, such as valerian and passionflower do just as their name implies – they aid relaxation. They are also good for insomnia and general anxiety problems as well as for helping to reduce the physical effects of stress, such as tense muscles and digestive problems. At times of particular anxiety, such as during panic attacks, valerian and hops are the most beneficial.

Herbal tonics for the adrenal gland are also useful for stress-related problems. Adrenal tonics are particularly important when physical illness is worsened or caused by stress. Liquorice (which is unsuitable if you suffer from high blood pressure or fluid retention) and borage (which should not be used long-term) are among the most popular adrenal tonics.

IF YOU ARE LOW IN ENERGY

If you are looking to boost your get up and go try ginseng. Long regarded as something of a wonder herb, it is a highly respected herbal tonic, which will give your body the injection of energy, you are looking for. Guarana is another great energy giver not to be missed. Derived from a seed from a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, it can help you to feel more alert as well as reducing mental fatigue.

Finally you need to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Often when people complain about feeling tired and washed out all they need is a week of early nights to revive and refresh them.

TOP TIP

Buy a pot of lemon balm and keep it on a sunny windowsill. This pretty herb has long been valued for its feel-good properties. Just crushing the leaves and smelling them can have an uplifting effect. Alternatively put a few of the crushed leaves in a mug, fill with boiling water and steep covered for 10 minutes. Make yourself a cup a couple of times a day.

Rhodiola is found in Vitano - A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress such as fatigue, exhaustion and mild anxiety based on traditional use only.