Still Tired? Supplements Can Perk You Up

Are you having one of those months — or years — when you just can't wake up? You're sleeping eight hours and eating right, but still can't shake that groggy feeling? There are lots of CAM therapies that can help to boost mental and physical energy and targeted supplementation is at the top of the list. There are vitamins and herbs can help you wake up. Among the best are:

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Ginseng is packed with ginsenosides, which are thought to fight fatigue and stress. Recommended dose: 1–3 grams dried root powder in capsule or tablet form daily, or 3–5 ml tincture three times daily.

B vitamins Vitamin B plays a key role in energy production. Recommended dose: One or two B-vitamin capsules, once a day with meals. Don’t take your B vitamins at night as they can keep you awake.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) A.K.A. Siberian ginseng, this herb can enchance mental acuity and physical endurance. Recommended dose: 2–3 grams dried root powder daily. Note: Eleuthero is typically taken for six to eight weeks, followed by a one- to two-week break before resuming.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) This herb helps boost endurance and adrenal function. Recommended dose: 100–400 mg standardized extract, twice daily.

Christopher Hobbs, a licensed acupuncturist and member of the American Herbalists Guild suggests starting with one herb before adding or switching to another.