We’re very excited to share this blog from Linda Villinesof keep kilter.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a stubborn, seemingly unexplainable fatigue that lasts for more than 6 months and is not remedied by rest. No matter how severe your fatigue is, its exhaustion and weariness can be a cumbersome wet blanket on life. Significant lack of energy can make even the smallest of tasks monumentally difficult and adversely affect our work and relationships.
According to Ayurveda, the ancient Vedic healthcare practice, fatigue is a result of an imbalance of critical energies in the body. Chronic stress creates this disharmony when the mind and body become overextended and overtaxed. This level of strain produces depletion and deficiencies. In order to re-balance and align the energies that determine the functionality of our vital systems, we must first be mindful to rest in accordance to our level of activity, i.e. work hard, rest hard.
Digestion is the seat of good health, so improving digestion is an important factor in overcoming fatigue. That means eating regular, balanced, wholesome, seasonal, and clean meals that don’t overstuff you or challenge your digestion. Ginger, garlic, and turmeric are wonderful additions to meals that assist the digestive process.
Daily routines and avoiding stimulants that create a false sense of vitality also help reduce the extremes that deplete us. And although naps are tempting when we feel drained, they disrupt proper sleep cycles and cause us stay up late, which is not awesome for fatigue.
In addition to adjusting our diet and lifestyle, there are Ayurvedic herbs that help combat fatigue and support the body’s ability to regain strength and vigor.
Amalaki is Indian gooseberry or sometimes referred to as amla. Amalaki is one of Ayurveda’s powerhouse herbs, benefiting all systems and functions of the body. It rejuvenates, relaxes, supports digestion and immunity, promotes healthy skin and tissues, and the world’s richest natural source of Vitamin C. It’s also anti-inflammatory and antiviral. The well-rounded and impressive array of benefits this herb promises is a no-brainer for sufferers of fatigue.
Ashwagandha, sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng, is another powerhouse herb in Ayurveda known for its incredible rejuvenating qualities. The Sanskrit translation is “smells like a horse” and Ayurveda describes it as giving the robust energy of a horse. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and nervine, meaning it helps the body’s response to stress as well as stabilizes it under stress, all while promoting natural calm and relaxation. It’s also an anti-inflammatory that supports immune function and an aphrodisiac. Stress and fatigue go hand-in-hand. Normalizing the stress response in the body reduces the adverse effects of chronic stress, including fatigue.
Brahmi or gotu kola (not be confused with bacopa, although they are similar herbs) is another adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb considered to be an exceptional brain tonic that rejuvenates and alleviates stress. It supports mental clarity, memory, quality sleep, and cognitive function. Brahmi is wonderful for combating anxiety, depression, and mental issues so anyone suffering mental fatigue will benefit from this herb.
Guggulu in Sanskrit translates to “protects from disease”. It’s another multifaceted herb with substantial rejuvenating qualities. It supports thyroid function, reduces cholesterol, repairs tissues, and increases strength by helping the body detox and get rid of the muck that slows us and our organs down. It’s another antioxidant and anti-inflammatory as well as an antibacterial.
Shilajit was used by first used by ancient mountaineers in the Himalayas. It’s a black humic substance formed over thousands of years by the degradation of organic substances on mountainous rocks. It has become known as the “destroyer of weakness” in Ayurveda. Shilajit is an adaptogenic herb that works to rejuvenate and energize on a cellular level to help your body convert energy. It assists in detoxification, anti-aging, heart health, kidney health, and brain health.
Dietary and lifestyle adjustments supported by rejuvenating herbs that don’t additionally tax your adrenals can make fatigue a thing of the past. Ayurveda is a healthcare practice rooted in nature. It believes approaching imbalances naturally allows the body to align itself without causing further imbalances and introducing harmful substances with undesirable side-effects. Always consult a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner and inform your doctor before taking herbs and/or supplements that could affect your current medication or healthcare regime.
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Read more from Linda Villines at keepkilter.com
