EDS – “Every Day Sleepy”

Using Seven Natural Remedies for Fatigue.

One thing the genetics expert told us is that it is harder, maybe 30% harder, to run a body with EDS, because we walk all day on a bumpy road while others walk on a smooth highway. Eureka! That is why I sometimes get so tired.

There is no miracle herbal formula that will make your collagen disorder go away. I scoured Google, trying to figure out what might help with the fatigue of EDS, but while there is a lot of information on symptoms and issues, there is almost none about plants that can support those of us with EDS.

We all know the key is rest. I actually found that when I schedule rest time in advance, I have a lot of success. When I was a single parent, raising two kids and starting my own business, each Thursday night from 7 pm ‘til morning and Saturdays from 2 – 5 pm were my “sacred naptimes.” The kids could crawl in bed with me on Thursdays and we would watch TV but they had to be quiet. Saturday afternoons they had to be quiet and could not come in my room. I do not think I could have survived that time without those regular rests. Being in bed allowed my EDS body to reset and my energy to be restored.

In 2010 I became bedridden, exhausted and brain-fogged. I was eventually diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an auto-immune condition. There is a high correlation between what I jokingly call “My demon Sjogren,” and EDS. Both left me really tired. I eventually found a greens drink called “Nurish Green Energy,” that helped my bedtime go from right after work to nine or ten pm. I am not sure what is in that stuff, but it is a fatigue-fighting miracle. I drink Green Energy every morning and add some tinctures, the most helpful of which for fatigue is cayenne tinctured in vodka. A few drops of that in my Green Energy drink keeps me out of bed most days.

As I have worked to become an herbalist, I always have an eye out for what will help me keep my energy up. What follows is a grouping of herbs that may help with fatigue. It is not specific to EDS. But some of these may help you build up your physical strength and resilience. Remember that herbs are not like chemicals like caffeine or drugs. Herbs are not usually a “quick fix,” but rather a way of helping be in a better balance.

Because you have EDS, or suspect you do, remember to go easy on yourself. We often don’t have the stamina and vitality of other people. Try small amounts of any new substance and pay attention to how it makes you feel. Keep a log of which plants you are trying and how well you feel and any negative reactions you suspect might be connected. Try the simplest and kindest herbs first and look for improvements in how you feel. In addition, keep an eye on nutritive herbs such as nettle, oats straw and other wild greens.7 I started eating nettle pesto and love it, so you can straight up eat some of these lovely plants. Here are a few others that may help with fatigue:

Matcha

The vivid green of matcha is a result of high levels of the light capturing pigment, chlorophyll. Matcha is a great alternative to coffee, as caffeine is not the primary compound found in matcha and green tea; it is balanced out by other pigments and compounds that help prevent the characteristic ‘crash’ so often attributed to coffee.1 I used to go to the Jamba Juice on the way to my first master’s degree classes and order a matcha smoothie before night classes. It sustained my energy but did not make me feel awful later. I use matcha sparingly for events or times when I just have to keep going, rather than daily.

Ginseng

Ginseng is well-regarded for its uplifting properties and as an adaptogenic herb that nourishes the adrenal glands and central nervous system. Ginseng is thought to modify the release of stress hormones. When ginseng is combined with green tea, which contains a high concentration of the amino acid L-theanine, promoting alpha waves in the brain, it can help to naturally boost energy, enhance brain power, memory and concentration, without giving you the jitters or crash that you might get from coffee.4 Ginseng seems like a longer term solution. It may not work as fast, but may have longer results.

Ashwaganda

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that nourishes the adrenal glands and central nervous system. Adaptogens help us to adapt to emotional and physical stressors by moderating the release of stress hormones within the body.

Ashwagandha may help to calm a racing mind, encourage a healthy sleep pattern and relieve stress or anxiety. 4 I take an Ashwaganda tincture most evenings. It is especially recommended for those of us in our golden years.

Eleuthero

Eleuthero has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help promote healthy energy and stamina levels. This herb also helps to maintain harmony during moments of stress. In the late ‘60’s and ‘70’s, studies were conducted in over 2,100 healthy people that showed eleuthero increased the ability of subjects to withstand stress such as heat, noise, motion, exercise, and increase in workload. Subjects also experienced a normalization in mental alertness and work output. 6

Rhodiola

Grown primarily in the Siberian Desert of Russia, various wild species of Rhodiola can be found growing throughout Eastern Europe, Canada and the Arctic. Rhodiola rosea has been widely studied in its native Russia, and was used by their athletes, armies, and nomadic peoples to support strength and stamina. Rhodiola helps to support adrenal health and helps the mind and body cope with stress in a healthy way. This is a favorite herb amongst physically active people. 2

Its ability to enhance mood and improve physical capacity make it a perfect natural remedy for anyone looking to boost and strengthen their own natural energy reserves. 3 I have not tried it but am eager to. I have heard that this is a plant to approach with respect, in small doses.

Cordyceps Cordyceps is actually a fungus. This medicinal mushroom helps to boost levels of ATP, the molecule our cells use to store and release energy. By increasing energy at the cellular level, cordyceps helps to boost both physical and mental function. This herb has also been used to help fight the effects of cancer and improve kidney function. Cordyceps also boost immunity. Many modern herbalists consider American-grown cordyceps superior to other sources due to potential contamination with heavy metals. 5 Again, I have not tried it but am eager to.

If you choose to try some of these herbs, go slow! Although I do buy some herbs on Amazon or in stores and grow others, I would recommend Mountain Rose Herbs as a good seller of high quality herbs. Try one of these at a time and tune in to how you feel and consider writing down what you are trying and what the effects seem to be.

This information is not intended to take the place of personalized medical counseling, diagnosis and/or treatment by a trained physician. Herbs and other botanicals are presently classified by the Food and Drug Administration as foods, not as medicines.

REFERENCES

1. Pukka Collective. “Herbs and Spices for a Natural Energy Boost (Without the Crash).”

2. Gaia Herbs. “Natural Herbs to Support Energy & Stamina. (Without the Caffeine Crash). 2019

3. Zamnesia “Top 15 Natural Herbs for Energy & Vitality.”

4. Broadhurst, C. Leigh. PhD. Mother Earth Living. 1997

5. Wai Lana “Five Energy Boosting Herbs.” Tips for Healthy Living.

6. Brekhman II and Dardymov IV. New substances of plant origin which increase non-specific resistance. Annual Review of Pharmacology. 1969; 9: 419-430.

7. Stafne, Gigi, ND. Green Wisdom School of Natural Medicine.