Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is defined as physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be caused by stress, overwork, medication or illness, disease or even depression. Everyone gets fatigued from time to time. The body is telling you it is time to rest and get some sleep. When fatigue is persistent, however, or your exhaustion goes beyond normal sleepiness, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic fatigue may include a pronounced lack of energy, desire to sleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability and mood swings, feelings of weakness in the muscles, slowed movements and central nervous system reactions. It can also include serious mental exhaustion. Long periods of fatigue may cause mental fuzziness, difficulty in concentrating and sometimes memory loss.
Causes
Fatigue may be caused by not getting enough rest, a poor diet, stress at home or at work, poor physical conditioning or be a symptom of a more serious medical condition like heart disease, diabetes or depression. Sometimes medications cause drowsiness that feels like fatigue.
Cautions
If fatigue persists for at least six months, is not a side effect of another disease and is accompanied by flu-like symptoms may indicate chronic fatigue syndrome. This debilitating disease causes overwhelming exhaustion and other problems. If you suffer from prolonged fatigue, see your doctor and express your concerns so you can get a thorough examination.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Lemon – drink lemon juice or mix it in equal parts with grapefruit juice and drink whenever you feel fatigue coming on.
- Cinnamon – add cinnamon to your diet by sprinkling it on your oatmeal, toast or whatever you're eating for breakfast.
- Garlic – eat raw garlic or take a tincture twice a day to relieve fatigue.
- Licorice – take a supplement of licorice root every day to fight fatigue.
- Astragalus – this herb can be taken twice a day to boost your immune system and help relieve fatigue.
- Korean ginseng – this herb will help fight stress and boost your energy levels. Do not use this herb if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or hypoglycemia.
- Siberian ginseng – this herb can help you resist fatigue, stress and disease. Take 100 to 200 mg twice a day of a standardized extract.
- Kelp – this herb can help provide you with energy when you are fatigued.
- Skullcap – this herb can help you get a more restful sleep. Follow the directions on the label, as this is a sedative.
- Valerian – the root of valerian is also useful for helping you get a good night's sleep. This sedative herb must be used carefully, so follow the directions for the best results.
- Ashwagandha – this herb is rejuvenating and is useful in boosting your strength, stamina and energy. Take 25 mg three times per day.
- Ginger – a tea made from this herb can offset the symptoms of fatigue in some cases. It is energizing and warming.
- Mugwort – this bitter herb from the Artemisia family can help boost your energy. It helps to increase your endocrine function and improve your digestion.
- Schisandra – this herb can help improve mental clarity, increase your capacity to work and build strength. It also strengthens the immune system and reduces fatigue and sleeplessness.