Herbs found in nature provide a wealth of benefit. Some are useful in the prevention and treatment of medical conditions thanks to anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Some are able to change our mood and help us sleep. Others help us get through the day alert and focused. For non-coffee drinkers, or even those that enjoy a cup of joe but are looking for something new, why not try an awakening tea? These tasty, brewed, herbal beverages can help you start your morning aware and focused and help to keep you that way all throughout the day. We compiled a list of the top five herbs that are useful in an awakening tea and whether you enjoy them solo or as a part of one of many delicious herbal tea recipes, they might just be the difference between you staying focused and falling asleep during a hectic and demanding day.
1. Eleuthero Root
This particular herbal remedy is also referred to as Siberian ginseng, although it is not from the ginseng family. This has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for fatigue and stress reduction and is also considered to be a libido booster and effective for memory retention as well. In general, eleuthero root is brewed into an awakening tea to help people feel more energized and focused, and this beverage has served as a tonic for this purpose for many hundreds of years.
2. Ginseng
Ginseng (panax or red ginseng) is one of the most common herbs associated with awakeness and alertness and included in a wide range of herbal supplements and over the counter preparations for this reason. This is one of the oldest herbs used in ancient Chinese medicine for its restorative properties. Ginseng is better used occasionally however, either brewed in an awakening tea or in supplement form as prolonged use has been shown to possibly lead to increased anxiety in some individuals.
3. Guarana
Guarana is included in many weight loss supplements as its thought to help boost energy. This may be related to the level of caffeine that is contained in the herb, which can make staying awake and staying active easier. For this reason, it is used as a stimulant, and a little bit of guarana can go a long way. Guarana should be introduced slowly and gradually, and using it in tea form is one way in which to accomplish this.
4. Kola nut
The nuts from the kola tree contain caffeine which lends to their stimulant properties. This is a common herbal remedy for both fatigue and depression and can energize the body and the spirit at the same time. It can be incorporated into an awakening tea and is also a popular component in many energizing herbal tea recipes alongside other stimulant herbs. Traditionally, the kola nut was used by people traveling long distances and was chewed in order to maintain alertness during their travels.
5. Rhodiola Rosea
Recent studies have shown that rhodiola rosea may be effective in combating the symptoms of fatigue in addition to its long list of ancient medicinal uses including increasing libido and reducing nausea. Rhodiola is also thought to be effective against the symptoms of depression and effective in reducing stress as well. This herb is popular in tea form and is thought to have few, if any, side effects related to its use.
For thousands of years, people have been turning to nature to help them stay awake and alert throughout the day. While coffee and caffeinated black and green teas remain popular daily drugs with this purpose in mind, herbal remedies also provide similar benefits along with unique flavor and other healthful benefits. An awakening tea can be an excellent start to the day and help boost focus and memory while decreasing tiredness and grogginess.
