Expert: Jackie Barr - 8/29/2004

Question
Hi!

My aunt is 93 years old and asked me to ask you if you knew something she could take for energy. She just has no energy.  She takes B-12 shots but would like something more.  Also, if you can recommend something, where can we get it online?

Thank you in advance for your response.  You do a great service.

Answer
HI Julie

You should be able to get any of the supplements I list online at GNC or Hi Health or any other reputable herb dealers.

There is several things that you can do to restore your energy levels but it does take some time.

Start with a good multivitamin supplement. Ginseng and cordyseps sinensis have a long history of helping fatigue. The latter is available at larger pharmacies, sold as "CordyMax." Ginseng is available at all good health food stores. Try one for a few weeks, but stop taking it if you don't notice an improvement. Pantothenic acid in doses up to 1000 mgs a day helps the adrenal gland and may also improve your energy.

SEAWEED

Seaweeds of all kinds help restore energy by nourishing nervous, immune, and hormonal systems. Make it a habit to eat seaweed as a green vegetable at least once a week. Try kelp in your oatmeal, wakame in your beans, kombu in your soups, hijiki salads, toasted dulse, sea palm fronds, and deep-fried nori!

ROOTS

Counter that tired-every-day feeling: get down and get grounded energy from roots. Try a tincture of ginseng, siberian ginseng, yellow dock, or dandelion roots. A dose is 10-20 drops of any one root, taken with meals.

TIRED BLOOD

You may need more iron: eat a spoonful of molasses or try a dropperful of yellow dock tincture several times a day.


The plants with the deepest green give you the most energy. A daily cup of nettle infusion increases energy without wiring your nerves. Nettle strengthens the adrenals, allowing you to tolerate more stress with less harm. And it nourishes your immune system, too. To make it:

*  Put one ounce of dried nettle leaf in a quart jar.
*  Fill to the top with boiling water.
*  Cap tightly and steep at least four hours (overnight is fine).
*  Strain and drink. 
*  Refrigerate the remainder and consume within 36 hours.

(Leftovers may be used as a hair rinse or fertilizer for your houseplants.) I drink several quarts of nettle infusion every week. It helps me have the energy to teach all day and write for hours each evening.

OATSTRAW

Oatstraw infusion builds deep energy for the next day, especially when you have been riding an emotional roller coaster. Oatstraw nourishes the nerves, easing anxiety and improving our ability to live with uncertainty. Make it like the nettle infusion, using a full ounce of oatstraw to a quart of boiling water. OK to drink it hot or cold, with honey or miso, or any other addition (juice, coffee, whiskey) you desire. Remember to refrigerate the infusion after it has brewed 4-8 hours, even if you don't get a chance to strain the plant material out.

When you're too tired to eat, you get more tired. (If this sounds like an old wives' tale, remember that old wives were the wise women. But, actually, it's the latest scientific thinking.) In addition to at least one really good meal a day, eat high quality snacks hourly.

Though it seems contrary, St. Joan's wort (Hypericum) tincture relaxes the nerves yet increases energy. A dose is 25-30 drops several times a day, including before bed. You'll sleep better, ache less, and wake up with more energy and a brighter outlook on life.

Warming herbs such as ginger and cinnamon increase energy (but may increase hot flashes, too). Make a tea with 1 cup/250 ml boiling water and 1/2-1 teaspoon (1-2 grams) of the powder of any one of these.

Very tired women need more fuel, that is, more fat, in their diets, and best if the fats are also natural sources of vitamin E: avocados, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, tahini, and olive oil are good food sources. Herbs rich in vitamin E include nettle, seaweeds, dandelion, and watercress.

B vitamins build energy. Find them in whole grains, organ meats, sweet potatoes, avocados, egg yolks, fish, and whey. Both oatstraw and nettle infusions are good sources of B vitamins, as are red clover blossom infusion, peppermint leaves, and fenugreek seeds.

Low levels of potassium, iron, and iodine contribute to fatigue. Celery, cabbage, seaweeds, nettle infusion, and red clover infusion are excellent sources of potassium. Molasses, chocolate, seaweeds, nettle infusion, and dandelion leaves are all superb sources of iron. For iodine, seaweed shines, but sea salt, mushrooms, and greens grown in gardens fertilized with seaweed also supply significant amounts.

The following food list is naturally high in vitamins and minerals and will give you a more easily sustainable lift:
1. Peanut butter
2. Yogurt
3. Banana
4. Cheese & Crackers
5. Turkey (breast) sandwich
6. Hard boiled egg
7. Chicken salad on whole wheat pita bread
8. Pasta salad
9. Baked potato with lowfat cheese topping
Not only do you need you eat right, but you also need to eat enough of the right foods.

Take Care
Jackie