Cultivated and harvested deep in the Amazon rain forests, guarana is the primary ingredient in many favorite soft drinks of Brazil. Like many other adaptogens, the plant has been consumed for its therapeutic properties in South America for centuries. Once again, the indigenous shamans of the Amazonian wilds had the right idea; guarana is in fact a powerful natural stimulant and restorative tonic.
Ginseng is a favorite ingredient in many health foods and beverages; you've probably seen it recently in your energy drinks and smoothies. The question is, does it really work, and why?
Gotu Kola is an ancient herbal remedy that has been popular in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Then, it was often called "the fountain of life" and was reputed to cultivate long life and wellness. While there is no evidence that the herb can make you live longer, it has been shown to exhibit anti-aging properties and promote mental health.
Another favorite of South American culture, yerba mate grows throughout Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. The term yerba is actually the Spanish word for "herb," so the herb is often simply referred to as "mate." It's astounding composition of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids make it one of the most nutritious plants in the world.
Native to the high Andes Mountains throughout Peru and Bolivia, Maca root has been used by local herbalists for centuries to treat various conditions from anemia to depression, infertility, and fatigue. Once again, ancient herbal knowledge has revealed a remarkably effective remedy that has been largely forgotten in modern medicine. The adaptogen has been shown to curb the effects of stress and increase energy, stamina, hormonal stability, and libido.
All of your daily experiences create chemical reactions in the brain that trigger the release of thousands of peptides, hormones, and metabolic particles. These molecules travel throughout the body and attempt to enact an appropriate response in the body. When stress occurs, whether it be physical or emotional, that response usually causes a rise in blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and changes in the immune system. If too much stress is encountered over time, these responses can be detrimental for your overall health. While it may not always be easy to remove stress-causing factors from your life, you can help your body to cope with adaptogens.
If you're one of those people who doesn't feel quite human until your second cup of coffee, you could be drinking too much of the potent beverage, according to a recent study by Mayo Clinic. You may benefit by finding an alternative energy booster that doesn't come packed with as much caffeine or the potential health risks. We've done the research for you and put together a list of herbal solutions that can revive your energy while also improving health and vitality.
Black walnut trees in the wild are notorious for their ability to ward off parasites and neighboring vegetation. Perhaps in an effort to protect itself from harmful organisms and narrow down competition for water and sunlight, a walnut tree has developed a unique chemical composition that is toxic to many other species. Although no part of the tree is toxic to humans, we can use this extraordinary trait to fend off harmful organisms in our own bodies.
