Natural remedies for constant fatigue and exhaustion
Licorice root
Although not considered a true medical diagnosis, adrenal fatigue is the name given to a set of symptoms, including body aches, digestive problems, exhaustion, nervousness, and insomnia, that many people experience.
Your adrenal glands, located on the upper front of each of the two kidneys, are responsible for creating cortisol. Although this hormone plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, constant stress can cause the glands to produce excessive levels of cortisol, which is detrimental to health. And licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), in a standardized form, is a commonly used natural remedy for this type of constant fatigue. [ref. 1]
Licorice allows your body to cope better with stress and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. You could say it's an adaptogen.
To restore cortisol levels, look for standardized licorice root in the form of an extract or pills. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, potassium, or blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking licorice root because licorice — albeit in large quantities — can cause blood pressure to rise.
Asian Ginseng
In traditional Chinese medicine, Panax ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng) is taken as a tonic that is thought to energize. Today it is used as a dietary supplement to improve overall well-being, as well as for health problems such as cardiovascular disorders, depression, erectile dysfunction, hot flashes in menopause and fatigue. [ref. 2]
A study published in 2018 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine supported claims to combat the fatigue of American and Asian ginseng. [ref 3] Asian ginseng is available in the form of tea, capsules and other forms. If you are taking antidepressants, diabetes, or blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor first.
Macs
Multiple studies, including a study published in 2019 in the journal Natural Product Research and another in 2017 in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, have shown that maca extracts have an anti-fatigue effect in animals. [ref. 4]
Part of the cruciferous family, this plant is known for its energizing action in humans as well. Those who used maca root continuously reported feeling more awake, motivated, and energetic.
Cordyceps
An animal study published in 2015 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggested that this healing mushroom, popular in Chinese medicine as a leading natural remedy for fighting fatigue, improving muscle weakness, and boosting athletic performance, really helps fight fatigue.
Cordyceps has both anti-aging and anti-tumor properties and also helps fight inflammation, which can be the cause of fatigue. 5
Siberian ginseng
The color of this small, woody shrub is commonly used in Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for chronic fatigue. Although it is not true ginseng, it is known that Siberian ginseng helps to cope with stress and may have effectiveness in people with constant fatigue. More research is needed on its action in this aspect.
