9 Naturally Herbs and Roots to Give You Energy

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

9 Energizing Herbs and Roots That Won’t Give You Coffee Jitters

There’s a reason $40 billion is spent on coffee in the U.S. alone, and it isn’t just for the taste.

Plain black, cold brew, cappuccino, frappuccino, iced – you name it, every type of coffee has one thing in common that we crave: its energy boost. Unfortunately, while we may get a good rush every morning from the brew, it’s usually a temporary effect that leaves us needing another cup a few hours later.

This might not seem like a big deal to many. After all, there’s usually a coffee shop on every corner, making it easy to refuel. However, if you find yourself feeling edgy and jittery after your daily “boost,” your nervous system and adrenals (glands that regulate stress hormones) might not agree with the excess stimulation. Too much caffeine can be taxing on your adrenal glands.

This is because the caffeine in coffee acts as a strong central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, which is what gives you your initial energy burst. It’s also a double-edged sword, in that stimulating your CNS too often can cause you to feel shaky, jittery and eventually experience burnout when your adrenals finally decide they’ve had too much.

This creates a continual cycle of caffeine stimulation, over-stimulation, and fatigue.

Eventually, you end up needing more caffeine to function normally – leaving you even more fatigued when that energy runs out. This roller coaster is a recipe for eventual burnout of your energy levels.

9 Naturally Herbs and Roots to Give You Energy

Luckily, there’s a healthy and nourishing escape from the wild ride of excess caffeine. Many natural herbs, barks, roots, and even berries have energizing properties that work with your body to produce increased energy, without over-stimulating your nervous system.

You can take your pick (maybe even literally!) of nature’s natural energizing herbs below.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate tea, brewed from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, has its origins in South America, where it is widely consumed for its vitality-enhancing effects.

As yerba mate has grown more and more popular in the Western world over the years, researchers have uncovered several properties that make it a superstar in the energy world. For one, it has been found to contain even more antioxidants than green tea, while also being associated with enhanced metabolism and physical performance.

In addition, several studies have shown that yerba mate may act as an appetite suppressant and help boost metabolism, while also encouraging the body to burn stored fat for energy.

Guarana

Guarana extract, which comes from the Brazilian native plant Paullinia cupana, is something you probably want to have on hand if mental focus and energy is your goal.

Research has shown that guarana improves task performance (specifically tasks that require a lot of attention) and improves the speed of short-term memory.

Tongkat Ali Root

Tongkat Ali Root, or Eurycoma longifolia, is ideal for when you feel like stress is at the root of your low energy levels. Both stressed AND tired? Tongkat Ali root can help.

Studies have found significant improvement in mood and other stress parameters, like tension, in people supplementing with Tongkat Ali.

It has been recommended as a supplement to help blunt the effects of daily chronic stressors (traffic, anyone?) and also help boost libido and free testosterone.

Schizandra Berry

Schizandra berries are unique energy boosters that have herbal adaptogenic properties. “Adaptogens” are a powerful class of energizing herbs that help your body adapt to stress and resist fatigue while improving overall vitality and boosting energy levels.

Schizandra certainly lives up to its label, with studies showing it not only increases mental performance, but also acts as a strong antioxidant, improves reaction time and endurance, and even protects against increased stress from heat shock, exposure to toxic heavy metals, and irradiation.

Rhodiola Rosea

If it was used by the Vikings for strength and endurance, it’s probably worth a second look.

Rhodiola rosea’s impressive past doesn’t stop with one of the most physically durable people in history, however. This high altitude herb was also used extensively in ancient medicine systems throughout Asia and Europe, as an anti-cancer and tuberculosis treatment in Mongolia, and as a fertility booster throughout Siberia.

Today it’s known for its ability to enhance performance, speed up workout recovery, lower inflammation, and improve stress-related fatigue and depression.

Chinese Ginseng

Chinese ginseng has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Like schizandra, it’s also an adaptogen that is commonly used to increase longevity, boost the immune system, and raise energy levels.

Other studies have also shown positive effects on cognitive performance, sexual function, and physical performance.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba, which hails from the leaves of the Chinese gingko tree, is commonly referred to as the “brain herb” for its positive effects on cognitive function.

It has been found to support brain activity, improve focus and memory, and is apparently “the most investigated and adopted herbal remedy for cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease,” according the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology.

Maca Root

Maca root, a plant native to Peru, has been cultivated and consumed for well over 2,000 years for its libido and energy-boosting effects.

It turns out Maca has quite a few unique tricks up its sleeve when it comes to benefits. Not only is it an adaptogen, but it also enhances fertility, mental function, memory, learning, physical performance, and even protects skin from the damaging effects of too much sunlight.

Beetroot

If you’re looking for energy to power through tough workouts, beetroot might be your new go-to boost.

The nitrate in beets has been shown to increase stamina and endurance by reducing the oxygen cost of exercise on the body. One study showed that participants were able to exercise for up to 16 percent longer after supplementing with beetroot juice.

How to Use Natural Energizers

The sky is truly the limit as to how you can incorporate these energizing herbs into your daily routine. For instance, you can brew up some yerba mate mixed with green tea for your mid-afternoon pick-me-up, snack on dried schizandra berries, or even add maca root powder to homemade, gluten-free bars or cookies. Mix energizing herb powder with water for a quick wake-up call.

However, since we’re all up for saving time, the easiest way I’ve found to get a healthy burst of energy from each of these herbs is to take them in powder form mixed with water. 

Rootz Nutrition in particular makes a quick raspberry-lemonade blend that you can sip anytime: first thing in the morning for a quick wake-up call without the jitters, as a study aid, or even as a pre-workout. It contains every herb on this list, plus other energizers that work to increase circulation, vitality, and focus, like beetroot, turmeric, and green tea.

Watch this video – Best Herbs for Energy, Using Natural Herbal Stimulants

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

4 Easy Tips to Sleep Better Like a Caveman

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

How to Sleep Like a Caveman (and Why You’re Probably Doing It Wrong)

For a lot of people, trying to achieve better sleep can be difficult. Most times, they run through the day as if they’re running on a treadmill that never stops. They’re tired all the time…but they know they have to keep moving, so they turn to coffee, energy drinks, and sugary snacks for a quick boost.

Then something strange happens when they finally get to bed: they can’t fall asleep. And they wake up the next morning even more tired than the day before.

This doesn’t have to be you. You can wake up every morning excited and fully energized to take on your day. It’s as simple as turning to our ancestors for inspiration. Keep reading to find out how.

Lack of Sleep Makes It Impossible to be Healthy

If you’re trying to get in shape, you’ve probably heard the phrase “you can’t out-train a bad diet.”

The same goes for sleep. If you aren’t sleeping well, eating right and exercising aren’t enough to make up for it. You just won’t achieve the level of health you’re looking for without that pillar in place.

Not getting enough sleep is a lot like credit card debt. It isn’t a big deal at first, but the consequences add up. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to inflammation, a weak immune system, and hormone problems, among other serious health problems.

Sleep remains a mystery, but every new piece of sleep research points to the same conclusion: it’s just as important as a good diet and exercise for health. Maybe even more important.

Why Is It So Hard to Get a Good Night’s Sleep?

So, sleep is essential for our health…but most of us aren’t getting nearly enough of it. About 1 in 3 of American adults are sleeping less than six hours per night. And almost half of them say that feeling tired during the day interferes with their normal activities.

This isn’t for a lack of trying either. Most people know how important sleep is. But a lot of aspects of modern life are stacking the deck against getting the sleep we need.

After the sun went down, our ancestors didn’t have a choice other than to relax and get ready to sleep. But now the dark is something we have to search for intentionally. There are artificial lights everywhere… and plenty of digital distractions tempting us to stay up for “just one more hour.”

4 Ways to Get Better Sleep

Understanding the importance of sleep is one thing. But taking action—action that leaves you waking up in the morning full of energy—is easier said than done.

Most of us are tired of being tired. The sleep industry is a multi-billion dollar business, and it’s booming on the backs of empty promises and “get results fast” schemes.

You deserve more than that. Just like a diet pill doesn’t trump eating healthy foods, sleeping pills don’t trump proper sleeping habits.

The four steps below are simple. Following them might take a change in philosophy or a recommitment to a healthier life. But they will help you sleep more and sleep better. Each waking moment becomes more special when you have the energy to enjoy it fully.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Make It a Priority

Why are so many people sleeping five or six hours a day when they know they should be sleeping seven or eight?

Because most of them aren’t making sleep a priority. Extraordinary circumstances – like a new-born or working for an accounting firm in tax season – aside, most people simply aren’t giving themselves enough time to sleep. They’re choosing other things instead.

Wishing for more time won’t help. But setting aside seven or eight hours for sleep and figuring out how to maximize the rest of your time will. There’s a reason why this is step one.

Without making sleep a priority, your other efforts won’t pay off. It’s the cornerstone that makes feeling energized and well-rested possible.

One of the most powerful things you can do for your productivity and wellbeing is to set a firm bedtime and stick to it. Almost everything else — what you do in your free time, whether every dish gets washed that night, etc. — is flexible. But sleep isn’t.

Setting a bedtime lets you work backwards to figure out how you’ll fit in your other activities. And going to bed at the same time every night helps you fall asleep faster because it conditions your body to expect sleep then. Tasks during the day will take less time because you’ll engage them sharp and well rested.

2. Practice Good “Sleep Hygiene”

How clean is your sleep environment?

I’m not talking about the carpet in your bedroom or your cluttered nightstand. I’m talking about how conducive your environment is for deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Modern innovations like streetlights, televisions, and car alarms are great. But they can make getting quality sleep tough. Just like how toxic waste pollutes a river, sights and sounds can “pollute” your bedroom and disrupt your sleep.

A few simple adjustments can make a tremendous difference when it comes to your sleep quality. They’ll help you fall asleep faster… and stay asleep throughout the night.

The most important thing is for your bedroom to be completely dark. The darker, the better! Invest in some black out curtains to block out sunlight and ambient streetlight.

And watch out for electronics with digital displays. Either store those in another room or cover up the lights with electrical tape. Even better: use a sleep mask to block out all the stray light trying to poke its way into your bedroom.

If your partner snores, or if you’re tired of hearing the garbage truck at four in the morning, pick up a pair of earplugs you can wear while you sleep. You can also use a white noise machine to cover up any intrusive noises.

Room temperature can also make a big impact on your sleep quality. Scientists have found that a cool room—around 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit—leads to better sleep. So give that a try. But ultimately it’s about comfort; go for whatever temperature feels best to you.

3. Work with Your Natural Sleep-Wake Cycle, Not Against It

Two hormones govern your sleep-wake cycle: cortisol and melatonin.

Cortisol stimulates your body to wake up and stay alert. Exposure to light encourages your body to produce it. When it gets dark your body starts ramping up production of melatonin, which makes you feel sleepy.

This worked just fine for our ancestors; they were active during the day, and they rested as soon as it got dark. But now electricity has extended the day with artificial light, and practically no one goes to bed right after the sun goes down.

That’s okay. There’s no need to go to bed at 7 or 8 pm. Just a little awareness of how your natural sleep-wake cycle works can help you get more (and better) sleep.

Sometimes your body has a hard time distinguishing between natural and artificial light.

When you fill your environment with artificial light from TVs, computers, and other electronics before bed, it’s harder to fall asleep because your body is producing cortisol.

Blue light is especially disruptive to healthy sleep patterns.

You can work with your natural sleep-wake cycle by encouraging cortisol production when you want to be awake and melatonin production when you’re getting ready for bed.

This means seeking out light when you’re trying to wake up and avoiding it when your bedtime is just around the corner. A few ways you can do it:

• Avoid all electronics for 1-2 hours before bed (lamplight and light bulbs are fine)
• Go outside during the day
• Consider buying a sun alarm clock, which floods your bedroom with light in a way that mimics a sunrise

4. Manage Your Stress

Managing your stress might seem like a completely different topic than sleep. But they’re two sides of the same coin.

Cortisol is the common factor here. When you don’t manage stress, the cortisol levels in your body increase. And cortisol is a stimulant; it’s the exact opposite of what you need to relax and go to sleep.

So unmanaged stress leads to less sleep and lower-quality sleep. And that leads to even more chronic stress. It can become a vicious cycle.

Of every source of stress in your life, start by identifying which ones are self-inflicted.

If you aren’t eating well, or if you’re working out too much, you’re causing yourself unnecessary stress. Systematically eliminate everything that’s causing you stress and is under your control.

You won’t be able to remove it all. There are always jobs, relationships, and other drama to deal with. But that’s fine. You just need a consistent way to manage the stressors that are out of your control. Pick something you love doing — it could be reading, painting, yoga, or something completely different — and stick to it.

A two-pronged attack on stress — removing stressors in your control and managing the rest — will lower cortisol levels and help you sleep better. And quality sleep will make you even less stressed. A potentially bad cycle becomes a good one.

Your Turn

A lot of people give nutrition and exercise plenty of attention, but they let sleep fall through the cracks. They’re tired all the time… despite all their hard work to be healthy.

But you can do better.

Follow these four simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to sleeping more, sleeping better, and enjoying life to its fullest.

No espresso shots needed.

To get some more easy tips to sleep better like a caveman, watch this video – Proven Sleep Tips | How to Fall Asleep Faster | Doctor Mike

Written by Corey Pemberton

Author Bio:

Corey Pemberton is a freelance writer, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and Paleo health enthusiast. Ever since he discovered the ancestral health movement five years ago, he has explored different ways to incorporate ancestral wisdom into his nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle at large. One of his favorite topics is challenging long-held nutrition myths. Feel free to stop by his website or say hello on Twitter.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Sore Throat Home Remedies – 7 Natural Sore Throat Remedies

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Whether it is a common cold, runny nose or sore throat, one thing we know for sure when we get sick is that our immune system is struggling. When our immune system is in tip-top shape, our body can fight off viruses with much more grace.

While tending to the immune system is a full-time job, there are some simple things we can do to keep it functioning properly. These natural remedies are not just sore throat remedies; they help promote the immune system as a whole so it can work to naturally heal the body.

If you are dealing with a sore throat, then consider trying the following immune-boosting solutions. While the most effective treatment will be based on the cause, these remedies could help.

1. Good ol’ Salt Water

When you were a kid, someone probably advised you to gargle salt water when your throat was sore. This is actually some rather good advice. Putting aside for a moment whatever exactly caused your throat to become sore, once it starts hurting, you can bet that there is inflammation. A sore throat is really the physical sensation of pain caused by inflamed mucous membranes in the throat.

Gargling salt water actually helps decrease the inflammation, helping decrease the pain. According to Myoclonic, this does two things. First, gargling a saltwater solution will help draw out excess fluid in an inflamed throat, easing pain.

Additionally, it can help remove mucus where allergens, bacteria and fungi might be forming in the throat. To do this, simply get high-quality sea salt that is unrefined and unheated. Next, add ½ teaspoon to 8 ounces of water, dissolve, then gargle. Quick sore throat fix: 1/2 tsp + 8 oz water

For an extra boost, try adding birch xylitol, which has been shown to kill off bacterial biofilm, a mucus film in which bacteria live. Simply add a teaspoon to your gargling solution.

2. Probiotics to the Rescue

Some sore throats are caused by bacteria. If this is the case, antibiotics can help. However, I am not a fan of antibiotics except for in extreme cases. For a bacterially-caused sore throat, you might find major relief or quicker healing by consuming copious amounts of probiotics.

The best in my experience are coconut kefir and the juice from cultured vegetables.

While raw dairy kefir can be a great option, dairy can be mucus-forming and might not be the best for a sore throat. It’s generally recommended to skip dairy when experiencing a sore throat. Coconut kefir is dairy-free, loaded with beneficial bacteria and hydrating.

3. Try an Antiviral Diet

As I just mentioned, if a sore throat is viral, then antibiotics won’t help. However, there are dietary measures we can take when treating a virus. A sore throat can be caused by either bacteria or a virus.

In either case, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try removing certain foods that feed bacteria and viruses. The main food source for both is sugar. Sugar feeds bacteria and viruses. So, limit your sugar intake when sick.

In addition to removing all forms of sugar (fruit included), you would also want to look at other common allergens such as gluten, corn, soy, eggs, nuts and seeds. If you are following a Paleo diet already, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. Just skip the nuts and eggs and any butter, and opt for extra servings of bone broth, veggie soups and fermented foods for the next few days.

4. Don’t Forget ACV

Raw apple cider vinegar has been known to remedy just about everything from sore throats and acne to diabetes. The reason it is so effective is because it provides electrolytes that hydrate, probiotics and has antibacterial properties. 

Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can burn your throat if taken directly, so your best option is to dilute it with some water. Better yet, warm up the water, which will be soothing on the throat and help dispel mucus.

5. Try a Mucilage

Certain foods and herbs create a mucilage effect when soaked in water. Examples are chia, flax, marshmallow root and licorice root. Making a tea out of flax, marshmallow and licorice will not only provide a soothingly warm and tasty drink, it will also provide anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. 

6. Herbs that Heal

While an antiviral diet is helpful in curing a sore throat, you can upgrade it to the next level by actively adding in some medicinal herbs. Because there are so many different healing herbs to recommend, I will name a few and the properties you want to look for.

For instance, warming herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, clove and cayenne are all great for sore throats. These herbs are known to be anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Make yourself a super cocktail by mixing and matching a few of these. Try a hot tea made with ginger, cinnamon and clove.

7. Quiet Time

Sleep and rest are the most restorative acts we can perform, no matter what ails us. I am including this last, but it is the most important factor of all! While remedying your sore throat, be sure to take plenty of time to relax.

Studies show that sleep puts the body in homeostasis or “self-repair”. The best way to ensure a bolstered immune system that will fight off viruses and bacteria is to get the best sleep you can.

Watch this video – HOW TO TREAT SORE THROAT AT HOME – AT HOME REMEDIES STREP THROAT

Written by Nick Kowalski

Author Bio:

Nick Kowalski is a Transformational Coach, fitness model and unconditional lover. You can find more of his writing on his blog NicksFit. His mission is to inspire the transformation toward love consciousness. Follow him on Instagram for more living in love inspiration and transformational mindset motivation!

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook