6 Natural Remedies for Fatigue

Reader’s Digest: Best RemediesUpdated: Aug. 06, 2019

It’s hard to find joy in life-let alone the energy to get out of bed-when you’re chronically exhausted. For a gentle alternative to prescription medication, consider these six natural remedies for fatigue.

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1. Siberian ginseng

Although there are no clinical trials showing Siberian ginseng is effective for fatigue, clinical experience finds it helps and we recommend it to combat that run-down feeling. The method of preparation varies among brands, so check the box for the exact dose. Don’t take it after 3 p.m. or it could interfere with your sleep. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you’ll want to stay away from ginseng.

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2. American and Panax Ginseng

You can use either species, as both seem to work equally well. Take 100 to 200 milligrams once or twice a day, but check with your doctor first if you have diabetes, low blood sugar (they can lower blood sugar) or high blood pressure.

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3. Goldenroot

Studies on goldenroot find it can fight fatigue from several sources, including shift work and stress. One study tested goldenroot’s effects on the mental performance of young physicians during night shifts and found a significant improvement in the doctors’ cognitive abilities. Take 50 to 100 milligrams 2 to 3 times per day.

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4. Adaptogenic herbs

Adaptogenic herbs improve your body’s ability to respond to stress by reducing the release of stress hormones. They may also increase stamina. They are not stimulants-they aren’t going to give you a “burst” of energy. Rather, they support your body so that it can cope better with whatever’s causing your fatigue. Some of the herbs also have positive effects on the immune system. Talk with your health-care provider about which herb to try. Your choice depends in part on what other health conditions you have.

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5. Schisandra

Schisandra (also spelled Schizandra) is a preparation extracted from a woody vine commonly found in northern China, Russia and Korea. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of the extract twice daily.

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6. Cordyceps sinensi

You’ll find Cordyceps sinensi sold in pill form as CordyMax. Although there are few studies on the effectiveness of this fungus (except one on mice, which showed it reduced the effect of stress on their body and improved their energy), clinical experience suggests it works well. Take 1 to 2 pills twice a day.

Originally Published: June 02, 2016