Everyone experiences general fatigue occasionally, but when that tiredness lingers for weeks (or months!) and the person is short of energy and enthusiasm for life, that's a sign of trouble. In herbal medicine, the concept of balance is of paramount importance to health. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, held strongly to this philosophy. He believed that Man was related to all the natural elements; each individual very much influenced in different ways by one’s diet, living habits, regimen, pursuits, sleep patterns, thoughts and emotions. Optimum health is achieved when a person is in balance and harmony with his internal and external environment. This is when the vital force, or Qi as described by the Chinese, is strong and smooth flowing. When this vital force is out of sync, feeling fatigue is often the first sign, followed by body disease.
The first step to treating fatigue is simple. Take a good look at what is happening in your life and be willing to change. Most of the time, we overwork, do not get sufficient rest and are not paying attention to good nutrition and what our body needs. The days are spent just rushing from one deadline to another. Few people find the time for nurturing of mind, body and spirit. However, in several instances, fatigue may be caused by a medical problem such as anaemia, thyroid condition, depression, sleep disturbances or side-effect of some drugs. Check with your doctor to rule out any underlying problem. Ignoring ongoing fatigue may predispose you to a condition called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
THERAPIES TO ENERGIZE YOURSELF
Once you have determined that your constant tiredness is not due to anything sinister, the following suggestions may be beneficial. The naturopathic approach to treating fatigue involves three steps:
1. Rest!
There’s no point in searching for any further remedies if you are unwilling to make time for your body to recuperate and heal itself. No overtime at work and don’t take work home. Take a nap, curl-up with a good novel, spend time with a good friend or simply do nothing! Don’t fall into the category of people that say “I will try to find the time to relax”. Just make the time! Your body is already signaling that it needs a rest. Ignore at your own peril.
2. Herbal Restorative Tonics
Herbs that are categorized as tonics belong to a therapeutic category of remedies that is generally mild. Such tonics provide deep and long-term toning and restoration to the whole body. They positively influence major physiological processes and more importantly, help to balance or replenish the vital force that is so important for good health.
Ginsengs
Ginsengs of all kinds are probably the most sought after herbal tonics in the world. They help fortify the body’s ability to adapt in times of stress and to cope with fatigue. In a way, herbal tonics bring the body systems back into balance and harmony.
- Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng) – Although it is a great Qi tonic, this herb is powerful and has quite a few contraindications. To receive the benefits of this plant, it is best prescribed by a herbal practitioner. Chinese Ginseng is also steamed. This process turns the root red and is known as Korean red ginseng, which is warmer and more invigorating.
- American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) – Compared with the Chinese variety, American Ginseng is bitterer and energetically cooler. It tends to nurture the blood more, whilst the Chinese species concentrates more on vital energy. American Ginseng is recommended for people who are prone to high stress and as a result, suffer from anxiety and nervousness.
- Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococus senticosus) – Strictly speaking, this herb is not a ginseng variety. It is distinctively different and gentler in its action. It helps to increase stamina and endurance by allowing the cells to use oxygen more effectively. Apart from that, it has been proven beneficial in restoring mental abilities. Siberian Ginseng is considered very gentle and not too strong or stimulating. Unlike the Chinese type, Siberian Ginseng can be easily recommended for young people and is safe for long-term usage in most people.
- Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) – This is sometimes called Indian Ginseng as it has many similar actions to the other ginsengs. Many herbalists consider this Ayurvedic plant to be the single most valuable herb in the Indian herbal pharmacopoeia. Ashwaganda can be used to restore energy, strength and vitality. Similar in mildness as the Siberian Ginseng, it is even good for promoting restful, quality sleep.
3. Nutritional Support
It goes without saying that wholesome meal is one of the pillars of health. Think green as green food can give your body a natural boost. Green, leafy vegetables are great for delivering a host of vitamins and minerals. Green drinks containing spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass or barley green deliver energy to the system. They are easily available from your local pharmacies. Use ˝ teaspoon powder of any of these and mix into your glass of favourite juice.
A supplement rich in the B-group vitamins (sometimes called the "energy vitamins") to start the day is a wise choice. These vitamins do not give energy per se, of course. However, they are important for the efficient metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat that eventually delivers energy to the body. Recent research also shows that minerals such as calcium and magnesium are useful for patients complaining of fatigue, depression, muscular cramps and irritability.
Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. She is a qualified clinical herbalist and operates a herbal clinic in Subang Jaya. Comments and inquiries: herbz@tm.net.my or 03-5631 7751.
The Sun, Insertion Date: 22 July 2003
