If you’re looking to increase energy and reduce fatigue, try an all-natural sports tea vs. energy drinks.
Many people seeking to improve their athletic performance and physical endurance rely heavily on energy drinks.
Energy drinks may help improve alertness, reaction time, and physical endurance. However, caffeine is a major ingredient in many energy drinks and energy shots. Guarana, commonly included in energy drinks, also contains caffeine. The reality is that energy drinks can have serious health effects.
Large amounts of caffeine in energy drinks may cause serious heart and blood vessel problems such as heart rhythm disturbances and increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine use may also be associated with anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, digestive problems, and dehydration.
A single energy drink can also contain loads of added sugar, which in some cases can exceed the maximum amount of added sugars recommended for an entire day.
Finally, taurine, an amino acid naturally found in meats and fish, is found in some energy drinks. In fact, some energy drinks contain up to 2,000 mg of taurine, which can have adverse effects on cardiovascular function when combined with caffeine.
For these reasons, among others, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that people not use energy drinks before, during, or after strenuous exercise. One alternative to consider: a caffeine-free, all-natural sports tea.
Cistanche tubulosa herbal extract makes an exceptional sports tea. First and foremost, it’s an extremely strong antioxidant. It is 15 times stronger than resveratrol and 5 times stronger than vitamin C. This powerful herb has no documented side effects when taken in responsible quantities.
In addition, Cistanche extract is often used to reduce fatigue and increase energy. It may improve memory power and support immune health, and it shows promise for lowering blood pressure. This study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology summarizes the herb’s wide range of health benefits. A study published in Phytotherapy Research highlights its anti-fatigue activity, which makes it a fantastic sports tea.
Furthermore, a recent study in Frontiers in Pharmacology suggests Cistanche extract shows antidepressant-like effects on chronic stress. The study addresses the health benefits of the extract, including its antidepressant-like effects through its ability to restore gut microbiota homeostasis.
Semen cuscutae, in turn, may help some people exercise longer and harder before they feel exhausted, which makes it a great sports tea. Studies published in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology and The Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine investigated the effect of Semen cuscutae on anti-fatigue and anoxia tolerance on mice. The studies showed that all-natural Semen cuscutae herbal extract may prolong swimming time and improve the ability to tolerate cellular oxygen depletion.
Semen cuscutae extract has also shown potential to support and protect brain health. Semen cuscutae may exhibit protective activity against chemically induced memory deficit, as well as protect against oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Semen cuscutae extract may even be able to help rescue damaged brain synapses.
Linden Botanicals sells Cistanche tubulosa and Semen cuscutae as individual herbal extracts. In addition, Linden Botanicals sells both extracts, along with three other healthy extracts, in BrainStorm Nootropic Brain Health Kits.
Cistanche tubulosa is also one of four individually packaged herbal extracts in GUTSY Digestive Health Support Kits and one of five herbal extracts in CardiAce Heart Health Kits.
Cistanche instructions: Add 1/2 teaspoon of extract to 8 oz of hot water or a cup of juice. Stir until dissolved. Drink 2 glasses a day. You can also mix 1/2 teaspoon with 1 teaspoon honey, add the mixture to warm water, and drink it as a tea. In addition, Cistanche works great in an energy smoothie. Here’s an energy smoothie recipe you might try.
Semen cuscutae instructions: Add 1/2 teaspoon of extract to 8 oz of hot water, a cup of juice, a cup of tea, or a healthy smoothie. Stir until dissolved. Drink 1-2 glasses a day.
You can find lots more information about sports tea, Cistanche extract, Semen cuscutae extract, and our brain health, digestive health, and heart health kits on the Linden Botanicals FAQ page.
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Disclaimer: No statement on these pages has been evaluated by the FDA. The information herein is intended for educational purposes only. This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care. The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency. None of the products offered are intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or curing of any medical condition. Consult with your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement.
