FATIGUE - Natural Cures for Fatigue

[Guest guest]

Hi Everybody

I know that FATIGUE is a major problem for those of us with Hepatitis, [among many problems], or who have Fibromyalgia.

I suffer from it too, and dont like the idea of asking the doctor for SPEED.

I would rather use diet, than drugs, to combat this problem.

I found an interesting article about it while surfing around.

love

don in ks

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Natural Cures for Fatigue

Everyone experiences fatigue from time to time. The cause is usually obvious: from staying up until 2 A.M. to finish a project, to not sleeping well because of a late-night encounter with a pepperoni pizza.But lately, doctors have been noticing that complaints of chronic, ongoing fatigue are becoming more common among their patients. In some practices, fatigue may in fact be the most common complaint.

Modern Americans are experiencing an epidemic of fatigue.In most cases, a reason can be found for on going fatigue–and it’s not usually a disorder. Most of us are working too hard, not getting enough rest, and not paying attention to what our bodies need. Our days are spent rushing around from job to grocery store to picking up the kids to making dinner anc cleaning the house– and we rarely find time for the nurturing, self-renewing time-out we all need.

The first step in treating fatigue is always nonmedical: Look at what’s going on in your life and be willing to change what’s making you drained an depleted. Leave the briefcase at work this weekend and spend a day on the couch with a novel, take a nap, go for a brisk walk in the woods, have lunch with a good friend, or treat yourself to a warm bath before bed. Imagine that you have an energy checkbook: If you only spend energy and never make any deposits, you’ll naturally wind up overdrawn. Listen and your body will tell you which of y our activities are deposits and which are like writing a big fat check.

Sometimes, however, it’s not just how you live. Occasionally, fatigue may be caused by a specific medical problem, such as anemia, thyroid disease, a drug side effect, undiagnosed depression, or a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. If your fatigue is particularly persistent, consider getting a medical evaluation to rule out an underlying problem.

Even if you don’t have a specific medical condition, fatigue is a red flag warning you that you are stressing your body. When you feel fatigued, you are more vulnerable to diseases of all kinds. Ignoring on going fatigue may also predispose you to chronic fatigue syndrome, a specific disease in which profound, ongoing fatigue is the prominent symptom. If your fatigue is present whether or not you exert yourself, is not alleviated by rest, is worsened by exercise, or is associated with chronic muscle and joint pain, sore throat, tender, swollen lymph nodes, or problems involving memory and concentration, you may already have chronic fatigue syndrome.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

This favorite, tried-and-true fatigue-buster is safe for long-term use in most people. A large body of scientific evidence shows that Siberian ginseng improves performance in all kinds of activities under stressful conditions. It also reduces the incidence of diseases, such as viral infections. Because the quality of Siberian ginseng products varies significantly, buy the best quality product available and follow package directions. Typical dosage: up to nine 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 10 drops to 1/4 teaspoon of tincture three times per day. Caution: In rare cases this herb may be too stimulating. It occasionally causes breast tenderness in women. If you experience either side effect, discontinue use.

Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng)

The properties of this herb are similar to those of Siberain ginseng. It has a long and venerable history in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Depending on the type used and the quality of the product, Chinese ginseng can sometimes be too strong or too stimulating and is not recommeded for long-term use by most people. White ginseng–the dried root of Panax ginseng–is gentler and less stimulating than red ginseng, the steamed root. Panax ginseng is probably best used under supervision of an experienced practitioner. Typical dosage: up to four 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 100 milligrams of standardized product one or two times per day. Start with lower dosages and work up gradually. Caution: Do not use if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is an adrenal tonic and increases energy. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It adds a pleasant taste to tea blends and can also be taken in tincture form. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day. Caution: Do not take internally for more than six weeks. Do not use if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart or liver disease, diabetes, or severe kidney disease.

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

This mild adaptogen, or tonic herb, is also thought to support the health of the lungs and kidneys. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine feel it helps maintain energy and strengthen tissue. It has a subtle calming effect, improves sleep, balances blood sugar, is good for the liver, and may increase memory. Typical dosage: 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried fruit in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

One of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi is useful for so many conditions that it would take a whole book to describe them all. Besides increasing energy and supporting the immune system, reishi has a calming but not sedative effect on the body and improves sleep. Typical dosage: up to six 580-milligram capsules per day; or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three time per day; or as a tea (see “Mushroom Energy Tea†on page 244). Caution: May cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Another traditional energy tonic, astragalus strengthens the immune system and is good for both digestion and lung function. Sometimes this root is available in bulk in health food stores; long and flat it looks like a tongue depressor. These sticks can be added to soups, stews, rice, or any food that simmers foe at least 30 minutes. When cooking is complete, remove the wilted stick and discard. The medicine has gone into your food! Astragalus has a neutral, somewhat pleasant taste. Typical dosage: 3 cups of tea per day (simmer 1/3 to 1/2 ounce of the dried herb in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes); or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day; or eight or nine 400-to 500-milligram capsules per day.

Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)

A gentle energy tonic, this herb is also soothing to the digestive tract. Typical dosage: 3 cups of tea per day (simmer 1/3 to 1/2 ounce of the dried herb in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes); or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Herbal Bitters

A group of herbs that pack a bitter taste–usually including gentian (Gentiana species), wormwood (Artemmesia absintbium), mugwort (A. vulgaris) and others–can help boost overall energy. Bitter herbs increase endocrine function and improve digestive processes; many people experience a temporary increase in energy after a dose. Bitters preparations are available in variety of forms and combinations in natural products stores, usually in liquid extract form. Typical dosage: between 1 dropperful and 1/2 teaspoon three times per day, taken with meals.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

This pleasant-tasting herb makes a wonderful, refreshing tea. It is mildly stimulating but also eases anxiety and tension, and it eases any gastrointestinal upset that may be present along with the stress that’s causing fatigue. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea as often as needed (steep 2 to 4 teaspoons of dried leaf in 1 1/2 to 3 cups of hot water for 15 minutes). Caution: Avoid peppermint if you have esophageal reflux or heartburn.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

Another aromatic herb, rosemary has a gently stimulating effect on both the nervous and circulatory systems. It tends to lift the spirits if depression is present, soothe digestive complaints, and is reputed to improve memory. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea up to three times per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water 10 to 15 minutes); or a few dropperfuls of tincture three or four times per day.

ABOUT USING HERBS FOR FATIGUE

There are two categories of herbs that you need to know about if you’re fighting fatigue: adaptogens and adrenal tonics. Both types of herbs help the body adapt to stress; adrenal tonics support overworked adrenal glands, the organs that respond to changing demands and general stress. They’re good for both chronic, long-term stress that results in fatigue and the kind of short-term, intense stress that gives you that wiped out feeling.Adaptogens, meanwhile, have a broad-spectrum but gradual effect on many of the body’s symptoms. They’re best for building your health back up after long-term stress or serious health challenges.

MUSHROOM ENERGY TEA

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners often make a strong tea of reishi as a remedy for fatigue.

1/3 ounce chopped or powdered reishi mushroom3 cups water

Combine the water and mushroom in a pot with a lid. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain. Drink in divided doses throughout the day; refrigerate for up to three days.

NATURAL STIMULANTS TO AVOID

Your local health food store is likely to carry a variety of products advertised as energy boosters. They may be natural, but that doesn’t mean they’re good for you. In general, avoid herbal stimulants containing ephedra (ma huang) or caffeine (kola nut, guarana, or yerba mate`). Unfortunately, that includes those double lattes you’ve been using to get over the mid-afternoon need for a nap! Ephedra-and caffeine-based stimulants may give you a temporary boost, but in the long run they increase fatigue by overstimulating the body and exhausting the adrenal glands. Chronic health problems, including symptoms that resemble chronic fatigue syndrome, have been observed in people who use these products long-term.

GREEN MEANS MORE GIDDY-UP

Green energy drinks can give you a natural boost that’s good to your system. Some people get a quick energy lift from nutrient-rich green drinks containing blue-green algae, spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass, or barley greens. Often available at health food stores or juice bars in powder form, these products can be mixed with a glass of juice or made into a smoothie. Wheat grass can be juiced and taken straight or mixed with other fresh juices. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is another energy-lifting herb that works because of its high nutrient and mineral content.When you can get or make these types of teas and juices, it can’t hurt to drink several cups per day. And don’t forget to boost the amount of green, leafy vegetables and herbs in your diet; they’re all great for maintaining your energy level.

FIRING THE ENERGY ENGINES

Any spice that you perceive as hot, such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, hot peppers, mustard, and horseradish, is likely to help increase your circulation. When you’re fatigued, you often feel cold and tense; such herbs counteract those physical sensations. Look for these energy-stoking spices in teas or as seasoning in foods, unless you’re experiencing infection, fever, or other “hot†conditions, such as hot flashes.

http://www.naturalcures-guide.com/natural-cures-for-fatigue/

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