Many people suffer daily from chronic fatigue: an abnormal tiredness that drains the will of the sufferer. However, knowing how many people suffer from this condition is impossible, since it usually goes unnoticed between daily activities, masquerading as a “normal” lack of energy.
However, it is estimated that 17 million people in the world experience chronic fatigue.
So far, we don’t even know what causes chronic fatigue (a contemporary condition that, by the way, was only classified in 1980). But some research has concluded that a virus called XMRV could be linked to chronic fatiguesince 67% of the patients studied present this virus.
These findings could lead to antiviral treatments, should chronic fatigue be found to be triggered by the XMRV virus. Meanwhile, there are no drugs that can give us back the energy and lucidity that this condition takes away from us, which makes natural remedies for chronic fatigue our best option. In addition, many of them have other properties that can help us treat other conditions, or simply to be in tune with a healthier body.
Natural remedies for chronic fatigue
1. Valerian
Drinking a tea from this herb will help you sleep well, something that is often not easy for those who suffer from chronic fatigue. It also has antidepressant properties, calms anxiety and, hopefully, its constant consumption will help you induce lucid dreams.
2. Siberian ginseng
This variety of ginseng has been used for thousands of years to provide energy, especially in Asian cultures. In one study, a group of chronic fatigue patients who took ginseng daily for 4 months reported less tiredness than those who had taken a placebo. Those with a more severe condition showed no change, except for mood, which improved.
So there can be nothing wrong with taking ginseng, and it will probably revitalize you. Take a daily dose in the morning, of extract of about 500 milligrams.
3. Bee pollen
One of the best natural remedies for chronic fatigue is bee pollen, which is undoubtedly a superfood. It contains amino acids, proteins, enzymes and other nutrients that are not so easy to obtain and that keep the body in optimal conditions. That is why it is used to treat anemia.
You can find it whole and take between one and three teaspoons, depending on your level of fatigue.
4. Alfalfa
Alfalfa can increase appetite and improve digestion, which translates into better functioning of the whole organism. In addition, it is known to promote proper hormonal function, which also helps to stabilize the body and thereby combat chronic fatigue.
5. Oats
Your breakfast cannot miss a bit of this noble grain, which has been called a brain food, that is, a «food for the brain», because it stimulates concentration and clears the mind. What’s more, oats are a natural powerhouse packed with nutrients, which you can prepare in a thousand ways to start your day off right.
6. Maca root
Since it works like alfalfa, but in a more powerful way, maca root is used to treat hormonal imbalances. It is an Andean root that can be taken as a powder, sprinkled on food or dissolved in drinks, and thanks to its regulation of the endocrine system it will help us balance the body and better use our energy.
7. Sea salts
Your skin is a very important organ –in fact, it is the largest organ–, and it is in charge of maintaining communication with the environment. So if you stimulate it you can get energizing benefits, especially if you do it with Epsom salts or Dead Sea salt. This also helps detoxify your body so you can better absorb the minerals.
Once or twice a week, you can use a sponge to rub the salt against your body while you bathe.
8. Walking
Sometimes the cure for a condition like chronic fatigue is in unexpected places. It turns out that walking can be an ideal activity, since it does not involve so much effort and can help you clear your mind. Nick Meador, a writer, walked 650 kilometers on foot and thus managed to get rid of chronic fatigue from him.
So go for a walk every day, at least 30 minutes. because besides, walking makes you smarter; Did you know?
* Cover image: Flickr ACID FOOL
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