CORDYCEPS

Cordyceps mushroom is one of the most prized energy enhancing adaptogens known in Chinese herbalism. It is revered as a “ENERGY” building herb with effects that “activate life energies. Cordyceps has long been consumed by Himalayan mountain peoples, like the Mykot tribe, for increasing their energy output and endurance levels needed for high altitude activities. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the intracellular energy source for your muscles. It is a biochemical process known among professional bodybuilders and athletes because it helps increase strength and sustain endurance levels.  It is especially beneficial for short bursts of activity like sprinting. Cordyceps mushroom extracts are powerful adaptogens and kidney tonics that help to build and restore energy as well as replenish the deeper immune defenses located in the bone marrow reserve. Studies with elderly populations who suffered from excessive fragility show a significant increase in energy, appetite as well as improved physical and mental capacity. Also known for revitalizing the sex glands and reproductive system, it is considered a potent aphrodisiac and top tonic for increasing one’s sex drive.

MACA

Maca root is well known and rejoiced for its super-energy-instilling properties and supremely nutritious attributes that help to provide strength and endurance for physical activity. Maca root has a number of benefits to the body as a natural energizer known for its effects at increasing libido, balancing hormones, improving fertility rate, regulating immune response as well as building muscle and strong bones.

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha is one of the top tonics in Ayurveda, known as an “Energizer” for the entire body. The root is highly prized for its nourishing effects on the nervous system and brain cell function, helping to relieve physical fatigue, nervous exhaustion, anxiety as well as depression.

RHODIOLA

Increases Energy, Anti-Fatigue, Aids in recovery from physical and mental work, Helps to maintain sexual function, Improves mood, Boosts Immunity, Lowers stress, Helps to balance blood sugar and hormones. This incredible herb was used by the Tibetan monks to enhance their inner spiritual power, the power of concentration and physical endurance. The protective effects of Rhodiola rosea are believed to be associated with an increase in the levels of opioid peptides. Opioid peptides are short sequences of amino acids that attach to opioid receptors in the brain. Having an opiate-like effect, they play an important role in bodily response to pain, trauma and stress.

ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus benefits work on building “Energy”, the aspect that involves function of thought, movement and active energy. It provides vitality for every organ in the body because it increases the amount of blood and chi flowing through your system. This, in turn, increases mental clarity, physical endurance, immunity and recovery from depletion or severe exhaustion.

GINSENG - Eleuthero Root

Ginseng is probably one of the most popular herbal energizers among all the tonic herbs. Known for it’s invigorating and deeply restorative effects, ginseng fortifies the major meridian systems of the body that are in charge of creating energy. These two meridians are the spleen meridian and the lung meridian. It has powerful adaptogenic properties that promote equilibrium and natural life-force energies.

ReStor: Herbal Stimulants

Activating Energy & Vitality that Fortifies the Body

What are Stimulant Herbs?

The herbal stimulants I am suggesting are not “ENERGY STIMULANTS” in the traditional sense of the word.  They are herbs that work to enhance & nourish deep energy that is long lasting and life supporting.

Roots, leaves and spices that do not contain caffeine are therapeutically activating to the body systems, providing what some herbalists like to call “the inner tingle.”

These herbs provide energy and are particularly helpful for counteracting the sometimes negative effects of caffeinated drinks and teas.

Why Do We Need Stimulants?

The word stimulant evokes the imagery of someone with boundless energy, heightened mental capacity and a lively vivacious attitude ready to take on large obstacles and challenges.

However, many of the substances we think of as common stimulants actually deplete one’s natural vitality and innate energy levels when used in excess over a period of time.

The Use of Addictive Herbal Stimulants

Some of the strongest and most addictive stimulants are herbs and plant derivatives; this includes coffee beans, black and green teas, yerba mate, cacao, kava kava, nicotine, guarana and coca leaves.

All of these stimulants come from natural plants and have beneficial properties if used in moderate quantities.  However, when these powerful plant substances become addictions they work against us, causing kidney stress, adrenal depletion and burn out.

The activating actions in these plant medicines are due to strong alkaloid elements, mainly caffeine, as well as other chemical components.  Unfortunately, when over-used they tend to dull the very vitality that we sought to increase by consuming them.

These compounds, however, have an “acid biochemistry” that causes, shortly afterward, addictive behavior to keep the energy rush going.  In addition, caffeinated substances promote cravings for acid forming foods, like junk foods and sugary desserts, which further diminishes energy and can offset dietary health goals.

Herbs for Energy and Longevity

Herbal stimulants can be defined as herbs that increase the energy of the body by quickening and enlivening the physiological functions.

These are another class of herbal stimulants that can be used as a “replacement for” caffeinated drinks that counteract the damaging effects they can have when used in excess.

These are herbs that increase cellular vigor and aliveness.  They are not the same experience that you get from a “coffee rush”, but they are roots, leaves, seeds and barks that activate the body by:

• Nourishing the vital organ systems
• Improving circulation and awakening the senses
• Relaxing the nerves
• Activating digestive functions
• Building the immune reserve
• Cleansing the liver organ
• Removing energy blocks