A wide variety of herbs and supplements have long histories of traditional use for their restorative and energy-boosting properties. In ayurveda and Tradional Chinese Medicine, the energy-boosting herbs include ginseng, cordyceps mushroom, ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, astragalus, eleuthero and licorice. Noni and maca are also known to increase vitality. Many of these herbal medicines are adaptogenic, meaning they help increae the body’s resistence to stress, trauma and fatigue.
Certain vitamins and amino acids also have energy-enhancing properties. B vitamins help maintain the central nervous system to support energy production, while magnesium is an essential nutrient that supports many biochemical processes within the body, including healthy nerve and enzyme function. L-carnitine, a common ingredient in energy drinks, contributes to energy metabolism.
While energy drinks can deliver significant doses of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, herbal energy-boosters require higher therapeutic doses, and are best used in capsule or tincture forms.