What’s your favorite herbal ‘coffee’ substitute?

Image courtesy of Pixabay/Uroburos

Are you a coffee drinker?

You might be surprised but I don’t drink coffee. In my 20’s, I tried coffee but never really got into it. 

Many of my friends and acquiantances ask “what do you do to wake up?” For a long time, I didn’t have a good answer.

When I began studying herbs I came across several plants that are considered stimulating (for example, peppermint, rosemary, and lemon).  You undoubtedly have tried or smelled these.  You probably know they have somewhat gentler effects as far as stimulants go.

Over the past year, I had numerous discussions with a friend of mine who recently became a pharmacist.  As a young practitioner, you often deal with an unpredictable and sporadic schedule, and a heavier workload.  

So how do you protect your mental and adrenal health? How do you stay sharp and healthy?

The last few days have been hectic for me, and on Monday I turned to one of my herbal allies.

My students know I love talking about adaptogens as a group of plants.   Our society overstimulates adrenal glands by sleeping too little and working too much. Learning about these amazing protectors is essential.

I previously wrote about Tulsi/Holy Basil and Ashwagandha.  

Two of my favorite books on adaptogens are David Winston’s “Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief” and  Donald Yance’s “Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging and Chronic Disease.”

Today I’d like to tell you about Rhodiola.  

Rhodiola is known as Rhodiola rosea or Arctic Rose.  It originally comes from Siberia.

Typically, adaptogens are considered to be building herbs.  They make your constitution stronger, and protect your body in dealing with the stress of daily living.

In contrast to other adaptogens, Rhodiola is more stimulating and known to protect nervous system.  These actions make you sharper and more aware. That’s why I consider Rhodiola my “coffee substitute”.

The following are 3 situations when you might want to try Rhodiola:

1. Chronic stress and fatigue

As I mentioned, Rhodiola is an adaptogen.  By itself and in combination with other adaptogens it’s used for patients who are tired, experience chronic stress, stress-related and mental and physical fatigue.

2. Immune depletion from overworking or over-exercising

Rhodiola protects the body from chemical and radiation damage. It decreases the effects of stress on the body. Rhodiola appears to increase exercise endurance, sport performance and antioxidant capacity.

3. Depression and neuroprotection

Rhodiola is stimulating.  As a result, this plant is better in those with depressive tendencies rather than tendencies to hyperactivity. It has been used for patients with mild to moderate depression, as well as those with anxiety and mood disorders.  

I use Rhodiola tincture – tinctures are alcoholic extracts made out of plants. There are a number of herbal product manufacturers who make Rhodiola tincture.

In general, I wouldn’t recommend this plant to anyone with bipolar disorder, hypomania, or paranoia.

Questions: Have you ever tried Rhodiola before? What are your caffeine alternatives?