When you don’t have the strength to get out of bed every day and everyday activities are difficult, a logical question arises - how to get rid of fatigue and start living actively? The rhythm of the modern world does not allow relaxation; it is necessary to constantly solve many problems and perceive a large amount of information, so we resort to a wide variety of methods to increase vitality.
Coffee and energy drinks are not the best option, because with frequent consumption of such drinks their effect is reduced, and the harm to the body in the long term is obvious.
A healthy lifestyle and adequate sleep may seem trivial, but in many cases this is the surest way to increase vitality.
And to get rid of drowsiness even faster, you should try useful tinctures for tone and energy - they will support the body in difficult times and deliver useful microelements where they are needed.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement well known for its energy-boosting properties.
It has also been shown to stimulate brain function, making it a popular choice for improving athletic performance and mental performance. Panax ginseng (lat. Panax ginseng) is the most studied species in human studies (). Ginseng contains compounds including ginsenosides, eleutherosides, and qivujianosides, which are believed to give ginseng its energy-boosting properties ().
A number of human studies have found that taking ginseng improves physical performance in both sedentary and active people, has anti-fatigue properties and increases mental alertness ().
Doses of 200–1000 mg per day have been associated with positive effects on energy levels, concentration, and mood in adults (, ).
Be aware that consuming ginseng may cause side effects including insomnia, diarrhea, increased heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, this herbal remedy may interfere with common medications, such as those used to treat diabetes, depression, and heart disease ().
Conclusion:
According to research, ginseng contains compounds that can help improve alertness, energy levels and focus.
Aralia tincture
In medicine, an aqueous tincture of Aralia (20% alcohol) from the roots of the plant is used. This product belongs to the category of adaptogens, as it has the property of stimulating the nervous system, relieving fatigue and increasing performance. The tincture also equalizes blood pressure and reduces blood sugar. The body responds to a decrease in sugar by releasing somatotropic hormone, which overall has a powerful anabolic effect and allows you to qualitatively build muscle, including through increased appetite. Aralia tincture has stimulating properties and helps enhance the formation of new cells, tissues and hormones. It is precisely for these qualities that the tincture has gained wide popularity among athletes.
Pharmacological group: general tonics and adaptogens.
Active ingredient: a complex of biologically active components - flavonoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, phytosterols, terpenoids, fatty acids and glycopeptides.
Pharmacological action: stimulation of the central nervous system, relieving fatigue, increasing performance, stabilizing blood pressure.
Objectives in sports: the tincture increases endurance, the threshold of fatigue, accelerates regeneration processes, activates metabolism, and prevents overtraining.
Ingredients: alcohol extract from the roots of Aralia Manchurian.
Indications: used for symptoms of weakness, fatigue, decreased muscle activity. Aralia tincture relieves symptoms of depression and prevents the development of neurosis.
Contraindications: poor sleep, hypertension, high excitability, liver disease, alcoholism, brain diseases.
Side effects: increased excitability, tachycardia, euphoria, diarrhea, allergic reactions. Long-term use may cause sleep disturbances.
Interaction: the tincture enhances the effect of stimulants (caffeine, camphor, phenamine), and is an antagonist of central nervous system depressants.
Directions for use: orally.
Overdose: possible increase in dose-dependent side effects - nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, hypoglycemia.
Release form: bottles – 50 ml.
Analogs: other plant adaptogens.
Manufacturers: JSC Dalkhimfarm (Russia).
Shelf life: 3 years.
Storage conditions: store in a cool and dark place in a well-sealed bottle, at a temperature of 8-15 degrees Celsius.
Summary. Plant adaptogens are currently freely used in sports, as they are not included in the list of prohibited substances. The drug has stood the test of time, and to date more than a thousand studies have been conducted that have proven its high effectiveness. The immediate effect of using the tincture occurs within the first hour after taking it. It is realized by influencing the functioning of the nervous, endocrine, immune and cardiovascular systems. In general, almost all plant adaptogens affect DNA synthesis, the functioning of the central nervous system, regulate hormone metabolism, activate metabolism, increase immunity and more. By and large, adaptogens are substances that can increase a person’s adaptive capabilities.
Sage
Research shows that sage may have impressive positive effects on cognitive function in adults. It is rich in many potent plant compounds, including luteolin, rosmarinic acid, camphor, quercetin and apigenin, which give it impressive medicinal properties ().
When used as a supplement, sage has been shown to improve mood, alertness, attention, memory, and word retention in healthy young and old adults ().
For example, a study of 36 healthy adults found that treatment with 50 microliters (µL) of clary sage essential oil resulted in improved memory and attention. Additionally, it reduced mental fatigue and increased alertness over a 4-hour period ().
Interestingly, sage acts as a potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. It is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in brain function, including memory, attention and motivation ().
AChE inhibitors help increase the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, thereby improving cognitive function ().
Conclusion:
When taken as a supplement, sage may help improve mood, alertness and concentration, and reduce fatigue in adults.
Guarana
Guarana is commonly used as an ingredient in energy drinks and dietary supplements due to its stimulant effects. It contains a number of chemicals, including caffeine, saponins and tannins, which are thought to have beneficial effects on energy levels and brain function (,).
While human studies have had mixed results, other studies have shown that taking guarana extract alone or in combination with other nutrients in doses ranging from 37.5 to 300 mg may help improve attention, alertness, and memory performance (, , , ) .
A small study of 10 pentathletes also found that taking 300 mg of guarana may help reduce perceived physical exertion and improve athletic performance and cognitive ability ().
Although guarana is generally considered safe, taking it as a supplement can lead to side effects such as increased heart rate and anxiety when taken in high doses (,).
Conclusion:
Some research suggests that guarana may be beneficial for brain function and may help improve attention, alertness, and memory.
Ginseng tincture
In medicine, an aqueous tincture (70% alcohol) from the roots of the plant is used. This product belongs to the category of adaptogens, as it has the ability to influence the functioning of the nervous system, relieve fatigue and increase performance. Ginseng has a fairly wide spectrum of action, but its main effect is on the central nervous system. It prevents the development of inflammatory processes, has a good effect on carbohydrate metabolism, the functioning of the heart, blood vessels and gonads. Taking the tincture increases oxygen consumption, activates tissue respiration, and stabilizes low blood pressure. The active components of Ginseng are plant steroids - eleutherosides. In the sports environment, along with other plant adaptogens, this is known as a means of increasing performance.
Pharmacological group: general tonics and adaptogens.
Active ingredient: a complex of biologically active components - flavonoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, phytosterols, terpenoids, fatty acids and glycopeptides.
Pharmacological action: stimulation of the central nervous system, relieving fatigue, increasing performance, has a beneficial effect on hypertension and hypotension.
Objectives in sports: the tincture increases endurance, the threshold of fatigue, accelerates recovery processes, activates metabolism, improves concentration.
Ingredients: alcohol extract from Ginseng roots.
Indications: used for increased fatigue, decreased muscle activity, self-doubt, and frequent changes in mood.
Contraindications: insomnia, hypertension, increased excitability, hypersensitivity, arterial hypertension, epilepsy, liver disease.
Side effects: increased excitability, tachycardia, euphoria, diarrhea, allergic reactions. Long-term use can develop hypertension and cause sleep disturbances.
Interaction: the tincture enhances the effect of stimulants and analeptics (caffeine), and is a physiological antagonist of the hypnotic effects of barbiturates.
Directions for use: orally.
Overdose: possible increase in dose-dependent side effects - nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, hypoglycemia.
Release form: bottles – 50 ml.
Analogs: other plant adaptogens.
Manufacturers: OJSC "Pharmaceutical Factory of St. Petersburg" (Russia), "VIFITEH" (Russia), "Pharmstandard" (Russia), "Dalkhimfarm" (Russia).
Shelf life: 3 years.
Storage conditions: store in a cool and dark place in a well-sealed bottle, at a temperature of 8-15 degrees Celsius.
Summary. General tonics and adaptogens, which include Ginseng tincture, are used in both aerobic and anaerobic sports. The effect on the body, manifested in increased performance, allows literally everyone to improve their results, from cyclists to weightlifters. At the same time, the ability of Ginseng tincture to increase mental concentration allows even chess players to use it successfully. Due to the fact that the tincture has such a significant range of effects on the functioning of the nervous, endocrine, immune and cardiovascular systems, this category of drugs is rightfully classified as a stimulant.
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri (Latin: Bacopa monnieri) is a plant that grows in wet, wetlands throughout South Asia. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments including anxiety, insomnia and memory problems ().
The cognitive-enhancing effects of bacopa monnieri are attributed to its concentration of triterpenoid saponins, which are known as bacosides and have neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties ().
Research shows that the plant may help improve brain function and alertness.
One review of 9 studies involving 518 people found that taking about 300 mg of Bacopa monnieri extract daily improved brain function, especially processing speed and reaction time ().
Bacopa monnieri is generally considered safe, but it can cause side effects such as digestive problems in some people and interact with some medications (,).
Conclusion:
Bacopa monnieri is a concentrated source of triterpenoid saponins, which are known as bacosides and may have stimulating effects on the brain.
Vitamins for men to support immunity and performance
Immunity is reduced due to frequent stress, anemia, insomnia, increased anxiety, and poor nutrition. Vitamin complexes improve the functioning of blood vessels, heart and all body systems. Vitamins for men for immunity:
- Retinol - improves vision, strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation.
- Ascorbic acid – stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight viruses and bacteria.
- Iron – is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells and leukocytes, which nourish tissues and destroy pathogens.
Peppermint
Simply inhaling the pleasant aroma of peppermint essential oil, a hybrid of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and watermint (Mentha aquatica), can help boost energy levels, improve mood, athletic performance and alertness ().
Several studies have shown that inhaling peppermint essential oil vapor reduces fatigue and improves alertness, memory, and energy levels (, ).
One study of 144 people found that exposure to the aroma of peppermint essential oil increased alertness and improved memory ().
Peppermint essential oil has a good safety profile. However, you should never take an essential oil unless you have discussed it with your healthcare professional, as taking too much peppermint essential oil can be toxic ().
Conclusion:
Inhaling peppermint essential oil has been shown to have beneficial effects on memory, energy levels, and alertness.
Contraindications
All plants related to immunostimulants have not only the listed advantages (emotional uplift, a surge of vivacity, energy, etc.), but also disadvantages, based on which contraindications for use are determined.
The plants themselves, and, therefore, tinctures from them, can cause insomnia, irritability, an allergic reaction, and diarrhea. Since tonic plants can retain fluid in the body, swelling is possible as a result.
Tinctures for vigor and fatigue are contraindicated for people over 50 years of age, as well as for those who have heart rhythm disturbances.
You should not take drinks for symptoms of fatigue, drowsiness and weakness at night, or take them for a long time. Source: https://pronastoyki.ru/
Rosemary
Just like inhaling the vapors of peppermint essential oil, the aroma of rosemary essential oil can improve cognitive performance.
Inhaling rosemary essential oil vapor allows compounds in the oil called terpenes to enter your bloodstream, where they can directly affect your brain ().
A study of 20 adults found that exposure to airborne rosemary essential oil resulted in improved performance on cognitive tasks, including tasks involving speed and accuracy ().
Another small study of 8 adults found that drinking 250 ml of water containing rosemary extract resulted in improved performance on computerized cognitive tasks ().
Conclusion:
Research shows that rosemary essential oil may help improve cognitive tasks when inhaled or used as a supplement.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems around the world to improve memory, attention and stamina ().
It has been shown in human and animal studies to reduce mental fatigue, improve brain function and mood, and increase physical performance (,).
Rhodiola rosea may be especially beneficial for people who experience burnout, which is defined as “emotional, motivational and physical exhaustion resulting from chronic occupational stress” ().
A 12-week study of 118 people with burnout found that taking 400 mg of Rhodiola rosea extract per day significantly improved feelings of exhaustion, decreased concentration, and lack of joy compared to baseline ().
Rhodiola rosea supplements may also benefit people with chronic fatigue and improve physical performance (,).
Conclusion:
According to human studies, when used as a supplement, Rhodiola rosea may help increase energy levels, improve focus, and improve mood.
Rhodiola tincture
In medicine, rhizome extract is used in a 40% solution of ethyl alcohol. The pharmacological effect of this herbal adaptogen is due to the content of active components such as rhodioloside and rhodosin. They are so effective in their field of application that sometimes they are even released as a separate drug. A characteristic feature of Rhodiola rosea is its strong effect on muscle tissue. During a course of taking the tincture, muscle strength and endurance significantly increase. At the cellular level, the activity of contractile proteins – actin and myosin – increases, and mitochondria also increase in size.
Pharmacological group: general tonics and adaptogens.
Active ingredient: Rhodiolaside.
Pharmacological action: long-term use of the tincture increases muscle strength, normalizes heart function and stimulates mental activity.
Objectives in sports: the tincture increases muscle strength and endurance.
Ingredients: alcohol extract from Rhodiola roots.
Indications: neurasthenia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypotension, fatigue, neurosis, colds, recovery period after hospital treatment.
Contraindications: hypertensive crisis, febrile conditions. Rhodiola preparations should not be used for high blood pressure.
Side effects: increased excitability, tachycardia, euphoria, diarrhea, allergic reactions. Long-term use can develop hypertension and cause sleep disturbances.
Interaction: weakens the intensity of the effect of neuroleptics (Aminazine), without having a depressing effect on the central nervous system.
Directions for use: orally.
Overdose: possible increase in dose-dependent side effects - nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, hypoglycemia.
Release form: bottles – 30 ml.
Analogs: other plant adaptogens.
(Russia), "Vifitech" (Russia), "Dalkhimfarm" (Russia).
Shelf life: 5 years.
Storage conditions: store in a cool and dark place in a well-sealed bottle, at a temperature of 8-15 degrees Celsius.
Summary. Rhodiola tincture is widely used both for medical purposes and in sports. If there is a need to quickly increase physical performance, it is usually recommended to slightly increase the dosage of the drug. This allows you to quickly adapt to the adverse effects of the external environment (work or training in mountainous areas, in thin air conditions), and increase physical and mental performance. Taking Rhodiola rosea tincture improves twilight vision. The use of excessive dosages of tincture increases the likelihood of side effects. However, in each specific case, such an overestimation of the dosage may be fully justified by the need to complete the task.
Ashwagandha
A number of studies have shown that ashwagandha (Latin: Withania somnifera), a plant that has been used as an Ayurvedic remedy since ancient times, has powerful beneficial effects on brain function ().
An 8-week study of 50 people demonstrated that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract per day significantly improved memory, attention, and information processing compared to placebo ().
The review, which included five studies, found that ashwagandha was well tolerated and resulted in improvements in cognitive tasks, attention, and reaction time ().
Additionally, another 12-week study in 50 older adults found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily improved sleep quality, mental alertness, and overall quality of life compared to the placebo group ().
Research suggests that ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on cellular energy production and be a useful tool for enhancing athletic performance (, ).
Conclusion:
Ashwagandha is a popular dietary supplement that may help improve performance on cognitive tasks and improve sleep quality, mental alertness, and athletic performance.
Eleutherococcus tincture
It is considered the most effective herbal adaptogen that stimulates physical activity. In medicine, a tincture of 40% alcohol from the rhizomes of the plant is used. Even a single dose of the substance accelerates (compared to tinctures of Ginseng and Leuzea) the restoration of parameters of the cardiovascular system, increases resistance to oxygen starvation, and physical activity is performed with less effort. But it is also worth remembering that, like other adaptogens, the stimulating effect of Eleutherococcus tincture is not significant when performing a maximum power load, but manifests itself mainly against the background of previous fatigue.
Pharmacological group: general tonics and adaptogens.
Active ingredient: eleutherosides, coumarins, essential oil, glucose, sucrose, starch, wax.
Pharmacological action: the stimulating effect manifests itself through a decrease in fatigue, drowsiness, and an increase in athletic and mental performance.
Objectives in sports: increasing performance, active restoration of parameters of the cardiovascular system, increasing resistance to oxygen deficiency.
Ingredients: alcohol extract from the roots of Eleutherococcus.
Indications: the tincture relieves symptoms of depression, and is also used for low blood pressure and impotence that has developed against the background of neurosis.
Contraindications: the drug should not be used in case of high blood pressure, elevated body temperature, or emotional agitation.
Side effects: increased excitability, euphoria, diarrhea, allergic reactions. Long-term use can develop hypertension and cause sleep disturbances.
Interaction: the tincture enhances the effect of stimulants and analeptics (caffeine, phenamine), and is also an antagonist of central nervous system depressants.
Directions for use: orally.
Overdose: possible increase in dose-dependent side effects - nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, hypoglycemia.
Release form: bottles – 50 ml.
Analogs: other plant adaptogens.
(Russia), Rostov Pharmaceutical Factory (Russia), Pharmstandard OJSC (Russia), Dalkhimfarm (Russia).
Shelf life: 4 years.
Storage conditions: store in a cool and dark place in a well-sealed bottle, at a temperature of 8-15 degrees Celsius.
Summary. The plant adaptogen Eleutherococcus is widely used in sports, as it is not a prohibited drug. Eleutherococcus senticosus is a relative of Ginseng and has an almost similar effect on the human body and also has a pronounced stimulating effect. Taking the tincture significantly increases physical and mental performance, and also strengthens the immune system. The stimulating effect of Eleutherococcus does not produce any noticeable stimulation. His preparations, like those of Rhodiola, improve twilight vision. Pronounced adaptogenic activity makes it possible to use Eleutherococcus preparations both for rapid adaptation to changes in climatic and geographical zones, as well as time zones, and for adaptation to adverse anthropogenic influences - rarefied air, excessive humidity, high temperature.
Centella asiatica (gotu kola)
Centella asiatica has been used in traditional medicine to improve brain function and has been studied for its beneficial effects on alertness and mood.
A two-month study of 28 older adults who received 250-750 mg of gotu kola extract per day found that those taking the highest dose experienced improvements in working memory, alertness, and mood compared to the control group ().
Another three-month study of 80 older adults demonstrated that taking 500 and 750 mg of gotu kola extract per day significantly improved strength and physical functioning compared to the placebo group ().
Moreover, a study of 33 people with anxiety found that taking 1,000 mg of gotu kola extract per day for 2 months helped improve attention, and reduce levels of anxiety and mental fatigue compared to their baseline levels ().
Conclusion:
Centella asiatica (gotu kola) is a herb that may help improve memory, alertness, and mood when taken as a supplement. Additionally, it can improve strength and physical activity in older adults.
Schisandra tincture
In medicine, a tincture of Schisandra seeds in 95% alcohol is used. Because Schisandra chinensis, in comparison with other adaptogens, excites the nervous system the most. At the same time, the tincture significantly increases physical and mental performance, due to which the sum of these factors is highly popular in the sports environment. Schisandra preparations, among other things, stimulate cardiovascular activity, improve lung function, and have a choleretic effect. Most often, the tincture is used for systematic physical and mental stress, to increase performance, reduce fatigue and more.
Pharmacological group: general tonics and adaptogens.
Active ingredient: schisandrin. With the support of organic acids, vitamins, microelements, essential and fatty oils.
Pharmacological action: stimulation of the central nervous system, relieving fatigue, increasing performance, relieving muscle fatigue and pain.
Objectives in sports: increasing body weight, muscle strength, fatigue threshold. The tincture accelerates recovery, metabolism, protein synthesis, and also improves mood.
Ingredients: alcohol extract from Schisandra fruits.
Indications: asthenic syndrome, overwork, complex treatment of decreased sexual function due to neurasthenia, mental and physical stress.
Contraindications: individual intolerance, arterial hypertension, excitability, epilepsy, convulsions, sleep disorders, acute infectious diseases.
Side effects: possible allergic reactions, tachycardia, headache. During the course of taking the drug, sleep may be disturbed and blood pressure may increase.
Interaction: the tincture enhances the effect of stimulants and analeptics. The drug is a physical antagonist of tranquilizers and sedatives.
Directions for use: orally.
Overdose: possible increase in dose-dependent side effects - nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, hypoglycemia.
Release form: bottles – 50 ml.
Analogs: other plant adaptogens.
Manufacturers: NPP "Kamelia" (Russia), "Dalkhim Pharm" (Russia), "Vifitech" (Russia), "Vladivostok Pharmaceutical Factory" (Russia).
Shelf life: 3 years.
Storage conditions: store in a cool and dark place in a well-sealed bottle, at a temperature of 8-15 degrees Celsius.
Summary. Schisandra chinensis, along with other adaptogens, is very popular and widely used in sports. The effect of Schisandra preparations on the body is rather slow, but at the same time effective in the development of overwork and general fatigue. The effects of the tincture are felt within one to two hours after administration, but the substance reaches its peak of activity during the course of administration from 2 to 10 weeks. The tonic effect during a course of treatment is manifested in the activation of protein synthesis processes, increased muscle strength, vital capacity of the lungs, hemoglobin concentration and increased blood fluidity. The drug stabilizes blood pressure, quenches thirst, improves appetite, and relieves muscle fatigue.
poppy
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant native to Peru that is prized for its energy-boosting potential. Human studies show that taking maca as a supplement may help increase energy levels, reduce anxiety, and improve athletic performance ().
A study of 50 men with erectile dysfunction found that taking 2,400 mg of dry maca extract for 12 weeks significantly improved physical and social performance compared to placebo ().
Maca has also been found in human studies to improve athletic performance and have positive effects on mood and energy levels (, ).
Conclusion:
Research shows that taking maca supplements can have positive effects on athletic performance, mood, and energy levels.
Summarize
The best way to stay alert and increase your energy levels is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting enough sleep, and using stress-reducing techniques such as enjoyable physical activity.
Additionally, some herbal remedies, including those listed above, can boost your energy levels and improve brain function.
If you want to use the herbal remedies on this list, check with your doctor first, as many herbs can cause side effects if not taken properly and interact with common medications.
Mordovnik tincture
It is used as a general strengthening drug, to improve the overall tone of the body, as well as in the complex treatment of hypotension, radiculitis and paralysis. Takes monthly courses of 10-20 drops twice a day before meals.
Ingredients
- Mordovnik seed – 100 g
- Alcohol – 100 ml
Cooking method
- Add plant materials to alcohol
- Keep the drink in the dark in a sealed container for half a month.
- Drain through a filter and place in a small bottle.
