Fatigue: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Fatigue is a state of physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion, characterized by a feeling of weariness, tiredness, and lack of energy.

It can be caused by various factors, such as chronic illness, sleep deprivation, stress, poor nutrition, and certain medications. Prolonged fatigue can lead to negative impacts on health, including weakened immune systems, decreased productivity, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. Fortunately, herbal remedies like ashwagandha, ginseng, and rhodiola can help alleviate fatigue.

However, when using medicinal herbs, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional and follow proper dosages to avoid interactions with other medications and potential side effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of fatigue, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of fatigue?

The main causes of fatigue are multifaceted and involve both physiological and psychological factors.

Research indicates that sleep deprivation, with less than 7 hours of sleep per night, significantly impairs cognitive function and leads to fatigue (National Sleep Foundation, 2015). Additionally, chronic medical conditions such as anemia (World Health Organization, 2011), diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2020), and hypothyroidism (Mayo Clinic, 2020) can also contribute to fatigue. Furthermore, nutritional deficiencies, including iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium, have been linked to fatigue (National Institutes of Health, 2020).

Lifestyle factors, such as excessive caffeine and nicotine consumption, can also exacerbate fatigue, particularly when combined with inadequate sleep and poor nutrition.

• Poor Sleep: Poor sleep quality or duration can lead to fatigue due to inadequate rest and recovery time for the body and brain, resulting in impaired cognitive function and physical performance.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can cause fatigue due to the body's inability to transport oxygen and nutrients to cells, leading to a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and weakness.
• Anemia: Anemia can cause fatigue due to a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which are essential for transporting oxygen to cells and tissues, resulting in a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and weakness.
• Chronic Stress: Chronic stress can cause fatigue due to the body's fight or flight response, which can lead to an increase in cortisol levels and a decrease in energy production, resulting in feelings of exhaustion and burnout.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue due to an underactive thyroid gland, which can lead to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, resulting in a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and weakness.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can cause fatigue due to high blood sugar levels, which can lead to a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and weakness, as well as damage to nerves and blood vessels.
• Depression: Depression can cause fatigue due to a lack of motivation and interest in activities, leading to a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness.
• Anxiety: Anxiety can cause fatigue due to a state of heightened alertness and tension, leading to a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and irritability.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as sedatives and antidepressants, can cause fatigue due to their side effects, which can lead to a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and drowsiness.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome, can cause fatigue due to malabsorption of nutrients and inflammation in the gut, leading to a decrease in energy production and an increase in feelings of exhaustion and weakness.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for fatigue?

The main medicinal herbs used for fatigue are Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera, Rhodiola rosea, Panax quinquefolius, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Valeriana officinalis, Astragalus membranaceus, Bacopa monnieri.

Panax ginseng, a well-studied adaptogen, has been shown to reduce fatigue by increasing ATP production and enhancing physical performance in athletes. Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the brain, thereby alleviating fatigue by increasing oxygen delivery. Withania somnifera, Rhodiola rosea, Panax quinquefolius, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Schisandra chinensis, and Astragalus membranaceus have been found to possess adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with physical and mental stress, thereby reducing fatigue.

Additionally, Valeriana officinalis and Bacopa monnieri, which are known for their anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing effects, may also play a role in alleviating fatigue by promoting relaxation and improving mental clarity.

• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, helps with fatigue due to its ability to increase the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, and enhance mitochondrial function, which is essential for energy production in cells.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with fatigue by improving blood flow to the brain and increasing oxygen delivery to cells, thereby enhancing energy production and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to fatigue.
• Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra chinensis, also known as Chinese magnolia vine, helps with fatigue due to its adaptogenic properties, which enable the body to adapt to stress and improve its ability to produce energy, and also due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to fatigue.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, helps with fatigue due to its adaptogenic properties, which enable the body to adapt to stress and improve its ability to produce energy, and also due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to fatigue.
• Rhodiola rosea: Rhodiola rosea helps with fatigue due to its adaptogenic properties, which enable the body to adapt to stress and improve its ability to produce energy, and also due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to fatigue.
• Panax quinquefolius: Panax quinquefolius, also known as American ginseng, helps with fatigue due to its ability to increase the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, and enhance mitochondrial function, which is essential for energy production in cells.
• Eleutherococcus senticosus: Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng, helps with fatigue due to its adaptogenic properties, which enable the body to adapt to stress and improve its ability to produce energy, and also due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to fatigue.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps with fatigue due to its ability to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common causes of fatigue, and also due to its sedative properties, which can improve sleep quality and duration, thereby reducing fatigue.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Chinese astragalus, helps with fatigue due to its adaptogenic properties, which enable the body to adapt to stress and improve its ability to produce energy, and also due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to fatigue.
• Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa monnieri helps with fatigue due to its ability to improve memory and cognitive function, which can reduce mental fatigue, and also due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to fatigue.

What are the main herbal preparations used for fatigue?

The main herbal preparations used for fatigue are Tincture, Capsule, Decoction, Elixir, Suppository, Salve, Tea, Lozenge, Poultice, Ointment.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, is often used for its high bioavailability and fast-acting effects, especially for herbs like Ginseng and Ashwagandha. Capsule preparations, like those containing Rhodiola and Bacopa, are convenient for standardized dosing and absorption. Decoctions, like those made from Ginkgo Biloba and Holy Basil, are often used for their ability to release bioactive compounds in water, promoting relaxation and reducing fatigue.

Herbal preparations like Salve, Tea, Lozenge, Suppository, Poultice, and Ointment are used to target specific body areas or needs, such as topical application of herbal extracts like Valerian and Lavender for pain relief and relaxation.

• Tincture: A tincture of Panax ginseng root, which is rich in ginsenosides, helps with fatigue by enhancing the production of ATP, the primary energy carrier in cells, and improving cognitive function.
• Capsule: A capsule containing a standardized extract of Withania somnifera root, also known as Ashwagandha, helps with fatigue by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and enhancing the body's natural antioxidant defenses.
• Decoction: A decoction of Eleutherococcus senticosus root, also known as Siberian ginseng, helps with fatigue by stimulating the immune system and increasing the production of stress-protective hormones.
• Elixir: An elixir of Ginkgo biloba leaf, which is rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, helps with fatigue by improving blood flow to the brain and enhancing cognitive function.
• Suppository: A suppository containing a standardized extract of Valeriana officinalis root, also known as valerian root, helps with fatigue by promoting relaxation and reducing stress-induced fatigue.
• Salve: A salve containing a topical application of Arctium lappa root, also known as burdock root, helps with fatigue by reducing inflammation and promoting the repair of damaged tissues.
• Tea: A tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves, which contain caffeine and other bioactive compounds, helps with fatigue by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing alertness.
• Lozenge: A lozenge containing a standardized extract of Echinacea purpurea root, which is rich in alkylamides, helps with fatigue by stimulating the immune system and reducing the severity of fatigue-related illnesses.
• Poultice: A poultice made from a mixture of Arnica montana flowers and other anti-inflammatory herbs helps with fatigue by reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting the repair of damaged tissues.
• Ointment: An ointment containing a topical application of Hypericum perforatum herb, also known as St. John's Wort, helps with fatigue by reducing inflammation and promoting the repair of damaged tissues.