If you’re struggling with fatigue and lethargy, you’re not alone. These symptoms have become all too common in our fast-paced society. According to Ayurveda, low energy typically results from high stress or poor digestion (the strength of one’s agni or digestive fire is the foundation for all health and energy).
In order to combat low energy, Ayurveda recommends that we care for our digestion and manage our stress appropriately. In addition, it can be helpful to take supportive herbal supplements and tonics. Read on to learn about the top five Ayurvedic herbs for energy and see which one would align best with you.
Chyawanprash
If you want to support your agni and bolster your energy, there is nothing better than Ayurveda’s “Elixer of Life”: Chyawanprash. Chyawanprash is a deliberate concoction of medicinal herbs (including Brahmi and Ashwagandha mentioned below) and anupans (carries substances) that support digestion and build ojas for optimal health and wellness. Chyawanprash also contains adaptogens, which are herbs that manage stress and provide a natural energy boost. Take 1-2 tsp of PIOR Living Chyawanprash daily to support a healthy, balanced, and energetic lifestyle.
Shilajit
Improving your overall immunity and ojas are essential when looking to balance and increase your energy. A great energy booster in Ayurvedic medicine that supports ojas is shilajit. Shilajit is a rasayana in Ayurveda and thus nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. It’s rejuvenating qualities help strengthen the body and therefore give you more energy and stamina.
Brahmi
Brahmi is a well-known herb and is considered one of the most potent Ayurvedic herbal medicines. It can nourish all doshas, boost brain function, reduce inflammation, and combat stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a popular Ayurvedic choice for boosting energy. This herbal ally is bitter, sweet, and astringent with warm energy and sweet vipaka (post-digestive effect). Ashwagandha is beneficial as a nervine sedative and nervine tonic, which significantly benefits the nervous system. Ashwagandha helps calm the nervous system while strengthening it, which then leads to stress reduction. With lower stress levels, your body will be able to utilize energy more efficiently.
To further reduce stress, try this 15-minute morning meditation practice.
Maca
Maca is a well-known adaptogen, which means it can help the body naturally adapt to external stressors. It helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and brings balance to the bodily system. Maca is considered a powerful energy booster as it helps fight fatigue by supporting total body nourishment. Furthermore, maca may also help improve memory, balance hormones, increase mood, and support reproductive health.
Keep in mind that with the exception of Chyawanprash, Ayurvedic herbs should be taken under the care of a practitioner.
To learn more about boosting energy naturally, check out these yoga asanas for energy.
Clare Michalik, Ayurvedic Practitioner, @Clareminded
