From Fatigued to Flourishing: The Transformative Power of Plant-Based Remedies by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D.
(As originally featured in the Summer 2024 Issue of Tracy Anderson Magazine)
Lack of Vitality? Help is on The Way!
If you struggle with low energy, you are not alone. In the United States, nearly half of Americans report feeling fatigued up to three times a week—even when they are getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Incredibly, another 27% say they wake up tired four or more days a week. Add an autoimmune disorder or another health concern into the mix, and it is clear we are a nation suffering from a chronic lack of energy. If this describes you, take heart! I’ve personally overcome severe fatigue and significant health challenges using plant-based herbal remedies. Today I’m thriving, living a vibrant life—and you can too. Here’s how.
My Journey of Healing
Back in 2000, when I was only 30, I received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. It was devastating. I was overwhelmed and scared. As a scientist, I turned to academic peer-reviewed journals to understand the underpinnings of MS—and how to effectively treat it.
At the time, alternative medicine wasn’t well-known in the United States, so I followed my doctor’s advice. They prescribed drugs—then more drugs to counteract the side effects of the first drugs, and so on. I was on drugs to address muscle spasms and to combat extreme fatigue. All the while I became sicker and more exhausted.
Two years later I’d quit the job I loved teaching biology. I walked with a cane on good days—and used a wheelchair at night. I was so fatigued that many days I was completely bed-bound. My memory, concentration, and clarity were gone. I was a shadow of the once vibrant, healthy woman I had been.
Then one day I woke up and knew something had to change—I wanted more, much more out of life. So I took charge of my health. Through Ayurvedic and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, I was able to heal my multiple sclerosis symptoms. Today I am happy to report the disease hasn’t progressed in over two decades. With the healing of my MS, energy, clarity, and vibrancy also returned. Below are the herbal-based medicinal extracts that transformed my health, which I continue to use to this day.
Core Herbal Medicines for Energy & Overall Health
There are many reasons you may find yourself lacking energy, including poor sleep; a health condition; or chronic stress and adrenal/cortisol issues.
For promoting quality sleep, my go-to herbs are Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis), Hops Strobile Flower (Humulus lupulus), German Chamomile Flower (Matricaria chamomilla), and Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Each of these botanicals work synergistically to encourage the production of GABA (a calming neurotransmitter) and assist with helping you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. They also soothe the nervous system and reduce the effects of menopause—including sleep-disrupting hot flashes and depression. I blend them as a sleep tincture.
To address an autoimmune condition and the accompanying fatigue, the remedies that have turned around my own health and many others are dual-extracted, fruiting body medicinal mushroom tinctures—Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and Turkey Tail (Trametes/Coriolus versicolor).
These powerful herbal medicines cool inflammation; reduce flare-triggering stress and anxiety; modulate and balance the immune system; boost brain function; stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF); improve energy; address bacterial and viral infections; lessen brain fog; and much more. Each is included in my apothecary’s essential Mushroom FOURtress Bundle.
It is important to note medicinal mushroom tinctures should employ both water and alcohol extraction from the fruiting body of the mushroom (not the lesser quality mycelium) for full potency and effectiveness.
Another consideration for autoimmunity is leaky gut, as the two often go hand-in-hand. My favorite herbs for healing the gut are Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Lion’s Mane medicinal mushrooms, along with Plantain (Plantago major), Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), and Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). These medicinal remedies calm inflammation and soothe the gut by helping to repair the intestinal tract and restore healthy gut function.
Lastly, if you are under constant stress (as most of us are these days) or suffer from anxiety, herbal remedies are an outstanding ally to keep you calm, cool, and collected. My top all-natural recommendations for this purpose are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Lion’s Mane, and Reishi.
When used together, these herbs help the body adapt to stress in a healthy way; calm the nervous system; and relieve energy-sapping anxiety and depression, along with stress-related insomnia when spinning thoughts are keeping you awake at night. What’s more, this blend boosts clarity and cognitive function, while also lowering inflammation—which is an important consideration for optimal brain health.
The Takeaway
In short, the above herbal medicines are an excellent option if you find your health or energy level is less than ideal. For myself, they have made the difference between being bed- and wheelchair-bound from autoimmunity and crushing fatigue—to living a vibrant, joyful life of clarity and purpose.
It is my hope you find these recommendations helpful and supportive in cultivating true health, happiness, and well-being in your own life.
All my best to you along this journey!
To learn more about the products mentioned, visit nicolesapothecary.com
