With the return of September, summer fades away. The usual daily routine returns and melancholy sets in for those holidays that lasted too short. Returning to the rhythm can be tiring and easily consume all our spiritual energy.
In this article, we will discover some herbs and plants capable of giving us a hand in this passing month, to restore all our energies.

The energy cycle

The efforts that we manage to instill every day in our work, our daily errands, and our passions are made up of a delicate internal balance that we often don’t notice. If something disturbs that balance, we lose our horizons and life can seem much more tiring than it needs to be.

Summer, despite all its beauties and the possibilities it offers us, is a period in which our inner balance is put to the test. You get used to the afternoon siesta, to abundant lunches, to softer hours, to less hectic days. And so returning to the usual routine can have a very stressful effect.
But the energy cycle is a perfect example of “give and take”. What we give back to the world during the summer, gathering new experiences, spending more time in contact with nature, and sharing new memories, we can recover from nature itself and the help it offers us.

Energy herbs and plants

Let’s look at some of the most effective herbs and energy plants, whose precious benefits can be real cure-alls to give us strength, support, and mental clarity.

Kombu seaweed

Widely used in the kitchen to flavor and sweeten dishes naturally, this algae is rich in iodine, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It helps to purify the body, and strengthen the immune system and metabolism, to give new regularity to the body.

Also called brown seaweed or sea kale, it grows primarily off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, where it is used to create dashi, a light fish broth that is the basis of many Japanese dishes.
Often sold dried, it is always a good idea to rehydrate it before using it in the kitchen. However, its use is not recommended for those with thyroid problems due to its high iodine content, and excessive consumption is generally not recommended as it may contain heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium, depending on the collection area.

Fenugreek

This herb is so-called because in ancient times it was used to feed livestock. The botanical name (Trigonella foenum-graecum) derives from the Greek trigonos, which means triangle and refers to the arrangement of the leaves and the shape of the seeds.
In folk medicine, it was used to fight intestinal parasites, while its poultices were used against pimples and oily and impure skin. Furthermore, fenugreek seeds were used as a substitute for coffee, and for this purpose, an infusion was prepared from the toasted seeds.

Fenugreek has always been highly appreciated as a tonic, thanks to its strong anti-anemic, anabolic, and anti-ulcer action. Fenugreek can be useful to recover energy and increase muscle mass in case of excessive weight loss. Its use is not recommended during pregnancy.

Ginseng

中国科学院植物研究所, Public domain, da Wikimedia Commons

It was once used mainly against aging, and gastrointestinal disorders and as an aphrodisiac and revitalizing preparation. Today it is believed that ginseng can improve resistance, both physical and mental, to stress and fatigue, in case of tiredness, loss of concentration, lack of appetite, anxiety, and insomnia.
It is often considered a substitute for coffee because its energetic effects are less irritating and nervous. However, excessive use is not recommended (just as in the case of coffee), as it could have side effects capable of causing restlessness, palpitations, and anxiety-provoking states.

Guaranà

Megustanlasframbuesas, CC0, da Wikimedia Commons

The term guaranà derives from warana, a word used by the Sateré Mawé, an ethnic group native to areas of Brazil. This plant has always been sacred to the native tribes of South America. And because of the shape of its fruit, several legends and myths were born around it.

Considered by the Indians as an elixir of long life, the guaranà plant was very important as it was an excellent means of treating diseases and supporting the body. In particular, it was used for its tonic and stimulating effect, to increase physical resistance for activities such as hunting.
The most commonly used part is the seeds, often toasted and then crushed to obtain a fine powder rich in caffeine.

Guaranà is also widely used to prepare famous, slightly fizzy drinks, which can have a slightly stimulating effect and a very sweet taste. For its medicinal use, it can be found in tablets, sticks, or powder.

Regenerate

As we have already underlined, nowadays daily commitments mark the continuous and frenetic rhythm of our lives. This is why it is sometimes important to take a five-minute break to regenerate your mind and spirit, and thus be able to face the rest of the day without problems. Let us therefore learn to use what nature offers us to restore our energy, without abusing it.