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Writer's pictureAngelique Flynn

Ayurveda for Fatigue: Natural Ways to Feel Like Yourself Again

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Ever feel like you wake up more tired than when you went to bed? Like, shouldn’t sleep be fixing this? Maybe you feel drained by midday or have to have a second cup of coffee just to get to the evening. No matter what you do, you never feel like you can shake the total lack of energy that is chronic fatigue.


Tired woman, unable to sleep, laying down on a bed with messy hair partially covering her face.

If this is you, you’re not alone. Luckily, Ayurveda offers a natural pathway to knock fatigue out of the way so you can return to your energetic self. And no, I’m not talking about downing another triple-shot espresso!


Fatigue is a constant companion for many women in their 40s, especially if you’re balancing a family, work, and the unpredictable changes of perimenopause.


That was my story. After I got sick of dealing with the challenges of chronic fatigue syndrome, I turned to an Ayurvedic Vaidya in India who helped me get to the root cause of my imbalance. Now, I’m as peppy as I was in my early twenties.


After obtaining a Master of Science in Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, it’s my mission to help more women tap back into their natural energy so they can feel like themselves again.


Here’s how Ayurveda can help you revitalize your natural energy.


Skip ahead with these links.








Why You’re So Tired (And What Ayurveda Says About It)

Fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired. For us women in our fabulous forties, it often includes symptoms like mood swings, muscle weakness, sensations of overwhelm, and that foggy ‘wait, why did I walk into this room again?’ feeling. 


According to Ayurveda, fatigue can be traced to an imbalance of the doshas—the three energy types (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that influence our body and mind. 


Grasping how each dosha functions can be key to understanding why you feel drained and how to restore your vitality.


Vata Dosha – The Energy of Movement

Vata governs all movement in the body, from blood flow to the way thoughts circulate in the mind. 


When Vata becomes imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms like dryness, nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia. These issues can disrupt your sleep and peace of mind, leaving you feeling exhausted and depleted, like that ‘I can’t even remember my own name’ kind of tired.


Pitta Dosha – The Fire of Transformation

Pitta is linked to metabolism and digestion, both physically and mentally. 


An overabundance of Pitta can cause inflammation, irritability, and feelings of burnout. This intense internal heat can consume your energy reserves, leading to both physical fatigue and mental weariness—or, as I like to call it, running on empty.


Kapha Dosha – The Foundation of Stability

Kapha provides structure and stability in the body. 


When Kapha is out of balance, it may result in feelings of heaviness, sluggishness, and lethargy. This can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming, contributing to low energy levels and a lack of motivation. You know, when simple tasks like just folding laundry feel like a marathon?


Discovering Your Dosha Imbalances

To identify which doshas may be contributing to your fatigue, an Ayurvedic practitioner will assess your natural constitution (Prakriti) and any current imbalances (Vikriti). This comprehensive evaluation includes detailed questions about your lifestyle and symptoms, careful observation, and techniques like pulse diagnosis. 


By pinpointing the specific imbalances, you can receive personalized guidance to rebalance your doshas, effectively addressing fatigue at its source. 


If you’ve been thinking about seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner to help you get to the root cause of your chronic fatigue, click here to jump to the bottom for more information.




Common Causes of Fatigue and How Ayurveda Can Help

Ayurveda is a natural and holistic approach to health. It offers supportive practices that go beyond quick fixes, helping you understand the root causes of your fatigue and regain your energy naturally.


Poor Sleep Quality and Night Sweats

Nothing zaps energy faster than poor sleep. Whether it’s restless nights or waking up drenched in sweat, poor-quality sleep is a big trigger for fatigue. 


Ayurvedic practices can help you wind down naturally. If you’re experiencing restless sleep, try…


  • Drinking a soothing tea an hour before bed

  • Taking warm baths with calming essential oils like lavender 

  • Establishing an evening routine with dimmed lights and no screens


Ayurveda suggests that calming Vata dosha, which is associated with restlessness and anxiety, is key to getting deeper, more restorative sleep.


Nutritional Deficiencies

Your body needs a steady supply of nutrients to keep your energy stable. It’s common for women to see deficiencies in iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Missing out on any of these can lead to feelings of fatigue, leaving you feeling like a wilted flower begging for a little sunshine.


Ayurveda encourages a balanced diet rich in whole grains, leafy greens, and seasonal fruits to nourish the body. 


A focus on warm, cooked foods helps the digestive system absorb nutrients more effectively, giving you the sustained energy you crave.


Dehydration

We all know that drinking water is essential, but did you know dehydration is a major cause of fatigue? 


Ayurveda suggests drinking warm or room-temperature water throughout the day to keep your energy balanced and support digestion. 


Pro Tip: Adding a slice of lemon or a pinch of Himalayan salt can enhance hydration and make it easier for your cells to absorb water, helping you feel less sluggish.


Sedentary Lifestyle

Sitting too long can contribute to Kapha imbalance, leading to heaviness and fatigue. Ayurveda recommends incorporating movement into your day to support energy flow. 


Gentle exercises like yoga or brisk walks are ideal, helping to reduce Kapha without exhausting you. Just 15–20 minutes a day can help boost your energy and elevate your mood.


Chronic Stress and Overwhelm

When life feels overwhelming, it’s often due to an imbalance in the Vata dosha. Stress and constant mental chatter drain energy quickly, leading to both mental and physical fatigue. 


Practicing grounding activities like meditation, journaling, or even taking a few minutes to breathe deeply can help you manage stress naturally. Ayurveda teaches us that bringing calm to the mind is just as essential as caring for the body.




Why Fatigue Feels Different for Women in Their 40s

Ayurveda recognizes that fatigue isn’t one-size-fits-all. For many women, perimenopausal fatigue is a unique blend of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Here’s how Ayurveda addresses these types of tiredness:


Mental Tiredness (Focusing and Memory Struggles)

As hormones fluctuate, so does mental clarity. It’s common to struggle with focus or memory, which can be incredibly frustrating. 


Ayurvedic traditions often include herbs like Brahmi and Shankhapushpi, which are valued for their support of mental clarity and reduction of mental fatigue. I get my herbs from Banyan Botanicals, my favorite online shop for Ayurvedic products. (Use my discount code 15ANGELIQUE to save 15% off your first order.)


Adding these herbs to your diet through teas or supplements can help clear the mental fog.


Physical Fatigue (Low Energy and Muscle Tension)

Ayurveda views physical tiredness as a sign that your energy (or Prana) isn’t flowing optimally. Gentle stretching, yoga, and Ayurvedic massages can help release tension and restore energy. 


Ayurvedic oils infused with herbs like Ashwagandha, like this one from Osi Oils, are traditionally used to support muscle relaxation and overall balance.


Emotional Exhaustion (Mood Swings and Nervousness)

If you’re feeling emotionally drained, it’s likely due to Vata or Pitta imbalance. Practicing mindfulness, enjoying calming activities, and prioritizing rest can ease emotional fatigue. 


A few minutes of daily meditation can go a long way toward bringing emotional balance and helping you feel like yourself again.




Ayurvedic Tips for Fatigue to Help You Feel Like Yourself Again

Following these simple tips could be the thing that takes you from feeling slow and sluggish to tapping into the best energy of your life.


Simple Dietary Choices to Boost Energy

Ayurveda places great emphasis on diet, recommending foods that support energy without overstimulation. 


Try incorporating more foods like these into your diet:


  • Whole grains

  • Warm soups

  • Cooked vegetables

  • Healthy fats like ghee


And avoid processed foods, which are hard to digest and can leave you feeling sluggish.


Natural Pick-Me-Ups

Certain Ayurvedic herbs can be incredibly supportive in managing fatigue. 


Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub often celebrated in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic properties. It’s traditionally used to help the body cope with stress and restore energy levels. It’s like a chill pill, only all-natural and organic. Note: While this can be an energy-booster, it can also have the reverse effect. I love these Ashwagandha Gummies to help me fall asleep at night.


Brahmi is a vibrant, water-loving herb known to support mental clarity, memory, and concentration. Plus, it promotes clear, healthy skin. Seriously, who doesn’t want glowing skin as a side effect?


Shatavari is another natural energy booster used in Ayurveda. It’s known as “the queen of the herbs.” It’s used for its nourishing qualities and its role in helping to support hormonal balance and women’s wellness (Slay, Queen).


Adding these herbs to your routine, whether as teas, supplements, or powders, can provide a natural energy lift.


Easy Lifestyle Adjustments

Ayurveda encourages lifestyle practices that create balance and rejuvenation. 


Yoga is a wonderful way to restore energy without overexerting yourself. No need to twist into a pretzel to feel the benefits. A simple daily practice is enough to support both mental and physical well-being. 


Meditation and breathing exercises (Pranayama) are powerful tools for reducing Vata imbalance and calming an overactive mind.


Ayurvedic Therapies for Rejuvenation

If you’re feeling truly depleted, consider Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga (oil massage) or Shirodhara (gentle pouring of oil on the forehead). 


These therapies are designed to nourish the nervous system and restore balance, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. 




Woman in a Warrior Yoga Pose, wearing a purple shirt and black pants, standing in the grass with water behind her.
Hatha Yoga or Yin Yoga are a perfect complement to Ayurveda practices for fatigue.



FAQ: Ayurveda For Fatigue

How does Ayurveda help relieve chronic fatigue?

Ayurveda addresses chronic fatigue by identifying and balancing dosha imbalances that drain energy. Through personalized dietary guidance, herbal remedies, and stress-relieving practices like meditation and yoga, Ayurveda works to restore natural vitality and resilience.


How do you increase energy with chronic fatigue?

To boost energy, Ayurveda recommends lifestyle changes like a consistent sleep schedule, grounding yoga practices, and including warming, nutrient-dense foods to stabilize energy levels and support overall vitality.


Which dosha causes fatigue?

Fatigue can arise from imbalances in any of the three doshas: 


  • Vata imbalance often leads to restlessness and insomnia

  • Pitta imbalance can lead to burnout

  • Kapha imbalance can cause sluggishness and lethargy


Working with an Ayurvedic practitioner can help you identify the root cause of your fatigue so you can make lifestyle adjustments to feel like yourself again.


How do you increase energy in the body with Ayurveda?

Ayurveda enhances energy through a balanced diet, regular physical activity suited to your dosha, and using energizing herbs like Brahmi and Shatavari. 


Meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) are also recommended to support a steady flow of energy.


Getting Started: Simple Ways to Use Ayurveda to Combat Fatigue

If you’re new to Ayurveda, it’s easy to get started with simple, beginner-friendly practices. 


  • Start by building a bedtime routine that promotes quality sleep. 

  • Try cooking more warming, nourishing meals and incorporating short, mindful breaks into your day. 

  • Drinking herbal teas like ginger or tulsi can provide a natural energy boost without caffeine.


Remember, Ayurveda isn’t about adding stress; it’s about creating little life tweaks that actually make things easier.


Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again? Book a Consultation

If you’re tired of dragging through your days and ready to get your natural energy back, Ayurveda might be the gentle reset you’ve been looking for. Book a free 15-minute consultation, no strings attached—it’s just a friendly chat to explore what’s possible for you. 


Whether it’s balancing your doshas, tweaking your daily routine, or finding herbal support that actually works, together, we’ll create a plan that fits your life (and your energy goals). Let’s get you back to feeling like yourself again!





Disclaimer: Products recommended during the consultation have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.


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