Herbal Supplements for Energy

It's easy to get lost in the sea of herbal supplements that are available to help you increase your energy and stamina to enjoy other activities for a few hours after the work day is over. Here are some supplements that have been shown to improve focus and provide other health benefits, as well.

An Energy Boost Without the Jitters

• Pure leaf yerba mate is used for many teas because of its nutritional and antioxidant value. The Pasteur Institute and Paris Scientific Society concluded in 1964,"it is difficult to find a plant in any area of the world equal to mate in nutritional value." Yerba mate contains only 25-30 mg of caffeine, while coffee can have 135 mg or more. The caffeine in yerba mate is different, however, because it is made up of theophylline and theobromine, which are found in green tea and chocolate. For this reason, the energy boost from drinking yerba mate is more subtle and mentally focused. Yet it's still powerful without the jittery effects that many caffeinated beverages normally produce. Additional benefits of mate tea include minerals for nervous system support and B vitamins that relax the muscles. Mate is also more alkaline than coffee and less likely to upset the stomach, thus it can be a better boost before a workout.

More Natural Energy Boosters

• In a similar way to yerba mate, schizandra herbal supplements stimulate the central nervous system without the excitability that caffeine produces. Schizandra was discovered in Asia and is known to the Chinese as "the five-flavored seed" because it contains the five tastes of Chinese medicine; bitter, pungent, salty, sweet and sour. Schizandra is used for immune-system enhancement, to increase mental alertness, aid with insomnia, depression and to strengthen the sexual organs. It can both help you sleep and increase your energy because it promotes energy balance in your body.

  Siberian ginseng, also known as eleuthero, has long been used as a natural energy supplement.
  It improves the body's ability to cope with stress and increases blood oxygen levels. Its properties make this herb a very versatile supplement, both for those looking to improve their endurance and speed for athletic competition and for those just looking to help reduce stress levels.

A Word Of Caution

• Herbal supplements can be just as potent as prescription medications and should only be taken with a doctor's supervision. If you are taking prescription medications, it is important to be aware of potential interactions, which can be very dangerous. Make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the herbal supplements that you take.