If you are like me, mornings can feel like a train wreck. There are aspects of my life that could probably be changed to improve the morning slows, but it is also just a part of who I am. I am a natural night owl, like my sisters. It is when we are the most inspired and creative. Mornings are a necessary evil to function in a society that has been artificially programmed by the 9-5. Coffee is hit and miss for me. There are times it does wonders, for about 15 minutes, and others when it seems to have more of a downer effect on me. I jump over to Yerba Mate from time to time. If you are unfamiliar with Yerbe Mate - it is a popular South American tea, very earthy in flavor, that packs a good amount of caffeine. It is a great alternative to coffee and has less of the acidic effect on ones stomach that can often occur from coffee consumption. The problem is that it is a little expensive and not always readily available.
For those of you looking for an alternate natural stimulant, welcome to Rhodiola!
Rhodiola is a plant that is close in resemblance to a sedum. The root in harvested and an extract is made from it. As with most traditional medicines, the majority of it's health claims are not supported by enough scientific research to confirm. The most common use is as a natural stimulant. While talking with my naturopathic doctor about my bouts with chronic fatigue, Rhodiola was one of his first recommendation - not as a cure all, but simply as a supplement to get through those energy depleted days. The results are inspiring! After taking the recommended amount I get a feeling of clarity and a sustained increase of energy. It is not a jolt or as powerful as caffeine can be but it feels "cleaner" and has a longer effect. Like other traditional medicines that have been around as long as history, the health claims are extensive but that is not the point of this post. A quick search will give you an abundance of information regarding the other possible benefits of using Rhodiola, ranging from the treatment of depression, to cellular protection to heart beat regulation.
But if you are like me and needing a little help staying vital throughout the slumps of the day - I would highly recommend talking to your health care provider (if you are under care for other issues or on any medications) and looking into the claims of this northern root. I am sold!
Learn more about me by reading my Introduction Post
