Herbs for Energy after Surgery
Answered by: Susan Eagles Question from: Linda
Posted on: February 2, 2004

I’ve just had colon surgery and was thinking about a herb for more energy.

The following recommendations for energy can be started about a week after surgery. Diet and exercise are primary considerations for surgery recovery when your digestive system is strong and you are physically able to exercise. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the most important, and should make up 50% of your diet. If this is not possible, it is important to take a vitamin C supplement to support wound healing and your immune system. A good choice for supporting the digestive system and regaining energy is whole grain rice, well-cooked with lots of water, and digestive spices like fennel, cardamom and cumin, with a little extra-virgin olive oil added after cooking. Beets support the blood and the liver. It is important to drink lots of pure water in between meals. Drinking with a meal dilutes your digestive juices.

The herb astragalus supports the immune system and speeds wound healing.

Nettles (Urtica dioica) helps to build the blood, rebuilding your strength, and supports blood circulation. It is best taken as a strong infusion: in a quart jar, add 4 cups of boiling water to one cup of dried nettles and let it steep for 4 hours or overnight. Strain, drink two cups daily, storing the remaining tea in the refrigerator for no longer than a day.

When you are feeling stronger, about 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, dandelion root and burdock root can be taken as teas, as alcoholic tinctures with the alcohol evaporated by placing the dose in boiling water, or they can be added to soups. These herbs support the liver, and detoxification.

Walking, yoga and meditation support energy and general well-being.

Gotu kola helps to restore energy, and is also a digestive, a blood tonic and detoxifier. This is best started 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, when your digestive system is back to normal and you are getting some physical exercise.

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