Herbs & Natural Remedies:
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and coenzyme Q10.
Form:
Asian ginseng: tea or tincture. Siberian ginseng: capsules or tincture. CoQ10: tablets.
How it Works:
Asian ginseng: the herb is a noncaffeine stimulant. European researchers gave athletes either a daily placebo or a supplement containing ginseng. After six weeks, the ginseng group showed more stamina. Siberian ginseng: the herb is an adaptogen, or general tonic. Research has shown that it increases mental alertness and work quality, and it boosts the immune system. CoQ10: involved in cellular energy production.
Dose:
Asian ginseng: use ½ to 1 teaspoon of powdered root per cup of boiling water, simmer 15 minutes, and drink up to 2 cups a day. Siberian ginseng: follow manufacturer’s instructions. CoQ10: 100 to 200 mg daily.
Cautions:
If you have high blood pressure, use ginseng with caution. Any herb can cause allergic or sensitivity reactions.
Other Information:
See your physician for a complete physical. Many illnesses cause fatigue. When fatigued, you may not want to exercise, but regular, moderate exercise is invigorating. Take a walk.
San Francisco health writer Michael Castleman is the author of 11 consumer health books. Visitwww.mcastleman.com.
