Step 1: Cut Back on Stimulants
Eliminate or cut back on your daily need for stimulants, especially coffee. Coffee is high in a variety of alkaloids that are very taxing to the system. Caffeine in particular, has a very negative impact on the adrenal glands if used over a period of time. Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion are almost identical to what some women consider the symptoms of menopause: depression, anxiety, insomnia, or the need to sleep all the time, and extreme fatigue. Usually what women are experiencing is not brought on by menopause but by adrenal exhaustion from too many high-powered stimulants and too much stress.
An occasional cup of coffee can be a wonderfully uplifting and stimulating experience. Daily consumption, especially after you reach the midlife years, can have a very detrimental effect on overall energy and vitality and will drain, not restore, your energy reserves
Step 2: Build Energy with Herbs
Take those herbs daily that have a reputation for restoring and replenishing energy. There are many excellent herbal energy tonics, including burdock, dandelion, fo-ti, ginkgo, gotu kola, licorice, lycium berries (goji), nettle, oats and Siberian ginseng. All will build and restore energy if used over a period of time.
Step 3: Strengthen Your Nervous System
Focus on supporting and strengthening the nervous system. Often we feel worn out or mentally exhausted simply because our nerves are overtaxed. By using herbs that strengthen and nourish the nervous system, such as nettles, oats, holy basil, ashwagandha, Siberian ginseng, we begin to experience a sense of calm and relaxation.
It is when we reside in the center of calmness that tremendous energy is available. It is in this center that our qi, or life force is stored
Resource: “Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health” by Rosemary Gladstar
