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Caffeine isn’t the only way to boost energy and focus. Herbs like licorice, Korean red ginseng, and maca support natural energy by working with cortisol, cellular energy production, and stress resilience. Unlike coffee, they aim to energize without the crash.
Caffeine occupies a very privileged seat on the mountaintop of morning rituals. Nothing else seems to offer the same secret weapon for giving us energy, focus, stimulation, and a general sense of competence.
Often this cherished cheat code for extra energy can become a standard requirement. The dependence on caffeine tends to happen so gradually that it can often go unnoticed. Whether you're a seasoned coffee drinker or someone who just likes the occasional boost, you might find yourself asking, "Does anything else compare"?
Years of clinical practice, and personal experience, have accumulated in these three pearls of wisdom. Licorice, Korean red ginseng and maca are all herbs that have all been scientifically proven to help energize naturally.
When most people hear that word, the popular candy probably comes to mind. That candy derives its name from the licorice plant, which is what we're talking about when it comes to energizing naturally. Licorice, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, has a very unique quality in the world of herbalism. Licorice extends the half-life of the body's awake-and-alert hormone cortisol. While cortisol gets a bit of a bad rap as the stress hormone, it has a purpose. Cortisol helps us get up in the morning, energizes us to carry through our day, and allows us to pay attention when it's essential. Licorice doesn't raise cortisol levels, but it prevents the clearance and breakdown of cortisol that is already present. That means licorice can assist cortisol in keeping us energized and focused.
Another outstanding and unifying quality of licorice, Korean red ginseng, and maca is that they are all adaptogens, which help the stress response become more naturally elastic. Not only will they help give you a boost to get through your day, but when used habitually, they will also make you generally more resilient to stress.
Can coffee do that?
Korean red ginseng, also known as Panax Ginseng, is one of the most potent and stimulating herbs. Ginseng has been shown to boost mental and physical energy, promote stamina, and delay fatigue. Studies have shown that chemical compounds in ginseng can help fight exhaustion and fatigue. Polysaccharides and oligopeptides do this by raising cellular energy production. These same compounds also help fight free radicals, aiding memory and cognitive function.
Powdered maca root has been studied for its broad spectrum of health benefits. It has been shown to help balance our hormones, boost libido, and stabilize our mood. Most notably, maca has been shown to promote a surge of invigorated vitality. Sometimes referred to as Peruvian Ginseng, maca has a rich traditional history in the Andes mountains. Responses to various versions of maca are highly individual. Still, those who like it love it and find it to be a game-changing addition that kicks their day into high gear.
