According to research from MDLive, 88% of Americans, including seniors, have experienced symptoms of fatigue, which explains why so many of us are turning to natural remedies.
Introducing herbal remedies into a senior’s routine gives them an instant boost with zero side effects. But if you’ve never taken a holistic approach, you likely won’t know which herbs combat fatigue.
Sound like your situation? Luckily, we’ve got the answers you’re searching for. Here are the best herbal remedies to prevent fatigue in seniors.
Top Herbal Remedies to Combat Fatigue
Luckily for us, there are plenty of natural energy boosters that can help seniors thrive. The beauty of taking a holistic approach is that seniors needn’t worry about it affecting their medication, so there is a solution for everyone. Common herbal remedies include:
Ginseng
Ginseng, a powerhouse in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is one of the top herb-based fatigue solutions. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are useful for seniors. Regardless of whether you consume Asian or American ginseng, both contain ginsenosides that naturally boost energy levels.
You can find ginseng supplements, enjoy it as tea, or as dried herbs. Generally, seniors should consume between 200 to 600 milligrams a day to see the benefits.
Maca
Our fatigue-fighting herbs guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning maca, a Peruvian plant. Maca is packed with glucosinolates which help the body preserve energy levels naturally, especially in women. The most common way to find maca is in powder form, which seniors can add to a smoothie or sprinkle over their morning bowl of oatmeal.
Guarana
Guarana is essential when discussing plant-derived vitality enhancers. Although it’s commonly found in energy drinks, guarana comes from the plant paullinia cupana, which shockingly has more caffeine than coffee. Note, that guarana is a short-term solution and there are common side effects, such as:
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate
- Dehydration
But with the right dose, seniors should introduce guarana to their daily routine for a kick. You can enjoy it as a capsule or find guarana powder which you can add to a healthy shake.
Ashwagandha
In our holistic fatigue combat mission for seniors, we’d be doing a disservice if we didn’t mention ashwagandha. The plant is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine because it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. After several weeks of use, seniors will notice mental clarity and experience more energy throughout the day.
The most common method is to chew ashwagandha gummies twice a day.
Rhodiola Rosea
For centuries, rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional medicine to make patients alert and improve their memory. In senior living communities, residents would benefit from 400mg of rhodiola rosea extract daily and it will take around 12 weeks to discover the benefits.
Peppermint
Easy to come by, peppermint is a classic choice for tackling fatigue and improving cognitive function. The best method is to drip peppermint oil into a diffuser or steam bowl until it fills the room. Aside from a pick-me-up, seniors will also feel relaxed, thanks to the essential oil.
Other Ways to Naturally Combat Fatigue
Herbal remedies are a must-have, but when you use them with other solutions, you’ll see the benefits faster. Seniors should build a routine with herbal medicines and the following so they consistently feel energized. Examples include:
Eating the Right Foods
Eating a balanced diet will do wonders for your energy levels, especially with the right food. A great example are bananas because they are packed with potassium and natural sugars. Bananas are a slow-release energy source so you feel energized throughout the day, even when your blood sugar drops.
Another great food is chestnuts as they’re fiber-rich and filled with carbs, which our bodies love for energy. But unlike other nuts like almonds, chestnuts are low in calories, making them the perfect snack whatever your diet.
Further, seniors should consider how often they eat. Many people feel more energized by eating smaller meals throughout the day as it stabilizes their blood sugar levels. Be mindful of portion sizes, though; otherwise, you may feel drowsy.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue. Thankfully, it’s a quick fix. Seniors should carry a water bottle wherever they go and drink eight glasses a day. If you get bored of water, spruce it up with sliced lemons, cucumber, and mint leaves.
Load Up on Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 impacts the body’s metabolism and transforms food into energy. Seniors can find vitamin B12 supplements or introduce them into their diet. For instance, chicken, fish, and dairy products all contain B12.
Try Fish Oil
Another useful solution is loading up on fish oil. The supplement contains omega-3, which has a positive impact on the nervous system. Also, it contains antioxidants that help improve fatigue.
Or, if you’re not a fan of fish oil, try coconut oil. It contains medium-chain triglycerides that boost energy.
Exercise
Adding movement to your day is an instant energy boost. One of the major benefits of exercise is that you don’t need to sprint marathons or spend hours pumping iron. Simply going for a walk or playing tennis with other seniors will elevate your energy levels and mood.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, you will feel drowsy the next day. The easiest solution is to go to bed earlier and don’t drink caffeine in the afternoon as it could disrupt your shut-eye. Seniors should also try taking a 10 minute nap during the day for a quick energy boost.
Our Top Herbal Remedies to Combat Fatigue in Seniors
Use our list of herbal remedies to combat fatigue in seniors and experiment to see which one works best. Before trying any, seniors should check that it works well with their current medication to avoid any complications.
At SummerHouse Alexandria, we want the best for our residents by supporting their mental and physical health. Thanks to the creation of personalized care plans and around-the-clock care, our residents continue to thrive.
If you’d like to learn more about our senior living community, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to chat with a representative.
