All Natural Caffeine-Free Energy Drink

When we are under a lot of stress and showing signs of adrenal fatigue http://theverbalherbal.blogspot.com/2012/08/too-much-stress-can-lead-to-adrenal.html, our bodies are so worn out that we often turn stimulant like coffee and energy drinks to get us going in the morning and keep us going throughout the day. Energy drinks are not good for us and can be extremely dangerous so I wanted to provide an all natural and caffeine-free energy drink.

Avoid Caffeine in Times of stress

Caffeine works by binding to adenosine receptor sites, therefore, blocking adenosine’s ability to decrease and slow nerve activity. Caffeine also increases the speed of neuron firing. All of this increased activity makes the pituitary gland think there’s an emergency and it signals to the adrenals to release adrenalin making us alert for this non-existent emergency. If we are already stressed and fatigued, coupled with the added stress of caffeine then it is bound to lead to adrenal fatigue if you don’t already have it.

The Truth about Energy drinks

Energy drinks are even worse than coffee or tea. A typical energy drink can contain anywhere from 70 to 200 mg of caffeine, double the amount found in coffee, and the caffeine found in energy drinks is more damaging because with coffee and tea, the caffeine occurs naturally in the plant material which also contains antioxidants to buffer the damaging effects of caffeine. Energy drinks are one of the fastest growing markets for beverages, pulling in $9 billion in 2011. And they are marketing to youth as well. 1 in 3 teens and young adults regularly consumes them. And energy drinks can cause heart palpitations, seizures, chest pain, increased blood pressure, strokes and even sudden death. Your chances of experiencing damaging side effects from energy drinks increase among young individuals.

All Natural Caffeine-free Energy Drink

My energy drink is cheaper and healthier than typical energy drinks, but the down fall is that it does require a little more preparation. The recipe is as follows: -2 cups of water -3 Tbs Peppermint leaf -2 Tbs Nettle Leaf -1 Tbs Elethero -1 Tbs Ashwaganda or another adaptogen if you choose not to use ashwaganda -1 Tbs Guto Kola leaf -1/2 cup of Coconut water

In a pot mix the water, elethero and ashwaganda. Cover and bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the peppermint, nettle and guto kola. Steep the mixture for at least 10 minutes. Strain and refrigerate the liquid. Once it is cooled add the coconut water and now you have an all natural energy drink. You can make a big batch and have enough for several days. Below is a little information about each of the ingredients.

Peppermint

Peppernint (Mentha x piperita) is a nervine stimulant that helps to activate the nerve endings by increasing circulation and nourishment. Balancing and stimulating the nerves helps to combat fatigue, weakness and absent-mindedness. It also has a renewing and refreshing flavor and aroma that helps to invigorate the body. 

Nettle

Nettles (Urtica dioica) is such a valuable plant. This tonic is rich in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc, chromium and other vitamins and minerals. It helps individuals regain their energy when dealing with chronic and degenerative diseases by strengthening the kidneys. Nettles is so useful for so many things that herbalist David Hoffmann says, “when in doubt, use nettles” and I completely agree!

Elethero

Elethero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as Siberian ginseng, is one of the primary adaptogens used today. It helps to enhance physical and mental performance and improve the individual’s wellbeing. It restores the nerves by enhancing the body’s resistance to stress and by toning Qi, Blood and essence, Elethero increases endurance and stamina. It may interfere with heart medications and should be used with care in cases of severe hypertension.

Ashwaganda

Ashwaganda (Withania somniferum) is another adaptogen that helps to give strength back to the body. Its active ingredient, withanolides, can increase stamina, decrease stress, soothe agitated nerves and promote well being. As a natural MAOI, ashwaganda can increase the availability of dopamine in the brain. It may heighten the effects of barbiturates and should not be taken during pregnancy.

Guto Kola

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is another wonderful and invigorating herb. As a nerve tonic, it helps to rejuvenate the body and the mind. It can increase alertness by nourishing the brain and is helpful in cases of nervous stress and debility. For more in-depth information regarding Guto Kola: http://theverbalherbal.blogspot.com/2012/05/daily-herb-o-scope-gotu-kola-to.html

Coconut Water

I feel that coconut is a great addition to this energy drink because it helps to hydrate the body and balance out electrolytes. For more information about this, check out: http://theverbalherbal.blogspot.com/2012/06/rehydrate-with-homemade-electrolyte.html I chose to get unsweetened coconut water because I like the flavor of the blend; however, you may wish to get the sweetened coconut water or add a little honey to your blend.

When you are already stressed and fatigued, the last thing you want to do is make the problem worse, and that’s what caffeine and energy drinks are doing. But sometimes you just need a little bit of a boost, especially in the morning or mid day. I find this energy drink to be tasty and effective, and it not only helps to wake you up but the adaptogens in the blend help to address the root of issues. So give this drink a try and let me know what you think. 

Sources:

Duke, J. A. (2000). The green pharmacy herbal handbook: your comprehensive reference to the best herbs for healing. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Reach.

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

Holmes, P. (2007). The energetics of Western herbs: a materia medica integrating

Western and Chinese herbal therapeutics (Rev & enl. 4th ed.). Cotati, Calif.: Snow Lotus Press.

Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/24642-main-ingredients-energy-drinks/

http://www.jonbarron.org/diabetes/nl100726/natural-health-newsletter-adrenal-fatigue

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41577256/ns/today-today_health/t/energy-drinks-can-be-dangerous-teens-report-says/

Too Much Stress Can Lead to Adrenal Fatigue

Are you constantly tired and fatigued? Do you lack motivation and don’t know why? Have you been to the doctors several times and nothing they do seems to help? Are you chronically sick? We’ll you may have an undiagnosed case of adrenal fatigue. Don’t feel too taken back the information. Lots of people, in my opinion, suffer from adrenal fatigue, especially Americans and not a lot of people know what it is or how to go about addressing it. No worries – The Verbal Herbal to the rescue!

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

When you don’t keep your stress levels at a minimum, stress hormones, mainly cortisol, is released for long periods of time at high levels. After a while, the body can’t keep up with the constant stress demand which causes the body to produce less adrenal hormones. This is known by many as adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia. The long term effects of adrenal fatigue can lead to a lifetime of illness, making it extremely important to recognize the signs of adrenal fatigue and know how to combat it.

Symptom Picture of Adrenal Fatigue

The main symptom of hypoadrenia is fatigue and low energy. These individual may seem lazy and unmotivated but, in fact, they have to work harder to maintain “normal” functioning. They find it very hard to get out of bed in the morning and when they do, stimulants like coffee or tea are usually needed. They feel more alive after meals, usually craving salty, fatty foods and needing more protein. They have low blood pressure and low blood sugar with a decreased sex drive. They often get sick and tend to gain midsection weight that is hard to get rid of.

History of Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue was recognized in medical texts dating back to the 1800’s and continues to be one of the most prevalent medical issues of the last 50 years; however, adrenal fatigue is not currently recognized as a medical diagnosis. Medical institutions say that because there is no blood test to soundly prove that the adrenal glands can decrease in functioning, then there is no justifiable reason to claim it as a medical diagnosis. I feel that the main reason it isn’t a medical diagnosis is because there are no pharmaceuticals claiming to treat adrenal fatigue. If they can’t make money from it, what’s the point of diagnosis it? Instead, they can diagnosis and treat the problems that result from adrenal fatigue, always treating the symptoms and never addressing the cause. As a result, adrenal fatigue is one of the most common syndromes to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Other Issues associated with Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue, if untreated, can be the cause of many problems including:

• A higher likelihood of hypoglycemia
• An increased tendency to allergies and arthritis and having on overall decreased effect on immune function
• Causing varied emotional states leading to cases of anxiety, depression and difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia
• Decreased sex drive
• Changes in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism
• Changes in electrolyte balance
• Negative effects on the cardiovascular system
• Other chronic illnesses of varying degrees

Treatment Plan

First and foremost, it is of utmost importance to get your stress levels under control. This link provides natural ways to cope with stress.  http://theverbalherbal.blogspot.com/2012/08/natural-ways-to-cope-with-stress.html Remember to take a multidimensional approach to treating stress, addressing physical, emotional and physiological issues.

Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogens are, perhaps, the most effective way to address adrenal fatigue. Adaptogens work by increasing the body’s own resistance to stressors. They do not block the stress response, but, instead, help to level out the highs and lows of stress. This helps to normalize the body and decrease our inclination to extreme stress. Some adaptogen herbs that can be beneficial include:

• Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
• American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)
• Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)
• Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis)  
• Siberian Ginseng (Eletherococcus senticosus)
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
• Suma (Pfaffia Paniculata)  
• Reshi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum)

Overall, don’t let stress take over your life. Start helping yourself before you reach the point of adrenal fatigue. If you find yourself too far gone and feel that adrenal fatigue is already an issue, then your main goal should be to get healthy because if untreated, adrenal fatigue can lead to a lifetime of illness. Contact you local herbalist to help you get back on track.

Sources:

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003088.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fatigue/MY00120/DSECTION=causes

http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/articlearchives/adrenalfatigue.shtml

http://www.jonbarron.org/diabetes/nl100726/natural-health-newsletter-adrenal-fatigue

http://tuberose.com/Adrenal_Glands.html

Natural Ways to Cope With Stress

Yesterday I spoke about the adrenal glands and the details of the stress response. This is our body’s normal response to a perceived stress. The problem with this system is we are now rarely stressed about survival or bears eating us and stressing more about our job, money, our future and a long list of other things. If we do not have a way to cope with these perceived stressors, it cause our bodies to be in a constant state of stress, keeping the fight or flight system activated and the stress hormones flowing. This can lead to long term emotional, physical and psychological problems. So today, I’d like to offer some coping mechanisms and ways to keep stress at bay via herbs, nutrition and essential oils. It is important to realize, that because stress is a multifaceted issue, affecting many different areas of health, a multifaceted approach to treatment needs to be taken, including options that address physical, emotional and psychological issues.

Tools and Techniques to calm and relax the body

There are so many different techniques that you can use to help you deal with stress. Below are a few options that work well for me, but make sure you find something that works well for you.

• First and foremost, find out what is causing your stress and address it. Is it work? Maybe it is time for a change of careers or at least time to draw lines about work time and home time. Is it family? Make time for you, separating from your family. This can be hard, especially for moms, but how can you help others, including you children, when you are struggling to help yourself. Sometimes there is nothing you can do to make the problem go away but just being conscious about its affects on you can make a difference.
• Relax! This is advice given to most people that are stressed out. Yoga, meditation, tai chi, reading a book or taking a bath can all be helpful.
• Make sure you are getting adequate sleep.
• Positive self talk and affirmations can help you from feeling out of control in the face of stress.
• Find a hobby. Sometimes finding something that you like to do and making time for it can help to balance out the stress of other areas of your life.
• Exercise! Get out side and move. Walk, run, hike, bike, play tennis or flag football doing any of these thing will help calm the body and the mind.
• Laugh loudly and often J

Herbs

There are many different herbs that can help the body deal with stress.

• Nerve Tonics, being high in calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and protein, help to nourish and tone the nervous system. This includes herbs like Oatstraw, skullcap, chamomile, hops and lemon balm.
• Nerve Sedatives help to ease tension and stress by soothing and nourishing the nerves and tissues. They can help to induce sleep and put the mind at ease at the end of a long day. This includes herbs like California poppy, passion flower, catnip, valerian, lemon balm and skullcap.
• Adaptogens help to increase the body’s ability to deal with stress. They will be discussed more at length in tomorrows post. This includes herbs like eleuthero, reishi, ashwaganda, nettles, schizandra and astragalus.

Nutrition

Nutrition is wonderful treatment approach that is, recently, gaining more ground and popularity. It is important to realize that eating certain food puts stress on the body and, whether you realize it or not, you will feel more stressed as a result. Before I realized I had a gluten sensitivity and was still eating wheat, I was stressed all the time! Giving up wheat and gluten really lightened my stress load. Here are some nutritional guidelines you may wish to follow to help keep your body less stressed and therefore you mind clearer:

• Decrease or eliminate your intake of caffeine, alcohol, soda and junk food. You may think that it helps you deal with mental stress, however, it only puts more stress on the body, making thing worse.
• Decrease your intake of refined carbohydrates and processed foods. -Increase your intake of a variety of different fresh fruits and veggies, preferably organic. This will help to provide your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for proper functioning. Again, the less stress we put on the body, the better.
• Make sure you are maintaining proper electrolyte balance. This doesn’t mean to drink one of those sugary sports drinks. Instead, try one of the recipes listed here http://theverbalherbal.blogspot.com/2012/06/rehydrate-with-homemade-electrolyte.html
• Supplement with B vitamins. Vitamin C may also be helpful.  

Essential oils

Essential oils can be extremely effective at helping individuals reduce their stress. They work by, not only, their constituents having a pharmacological effect, but also by smell through the olfactory system’s link to the limbic system, thus affecting our emotion state. There are many different essential oils that can be beneficial for stress:

• Essential oils to induce relaxation include bergamot, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
• Essential oils to relieve tiredness include basil, black pepper, ginger, rosemary, peppermint, pine and thyme.
• Essential oils to lift the spirit, helping with depression and melancholy include bergamot, mandarin, melissa, neroli, rose and jasmine.

Stress is becoming an overwhelming epidemic in our culture. Even though some stress is normal and needed, in my opinion, for healthy functioning, the amount of stress that Americans deal with every day is sickening. Literally, it is causing people to become sick. So today I have provided tools to help combat stress and tomorrow we will talk the effects that stress have on the body if you do not keep it in check.

Sources:

Battaglia, S. (2003). The complete guide to aromatherapy (2nd ed.). Brisbane: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Cohen, B. J., Taylor, J. J., & Memmler, R. L. (2009). Memmler's structure and function of the human body (9th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott William & Wilkins.

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

Wildwood, C. (1996). The encyclopedia of aromatherapy. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.