Natural Remedies for Post-COVID Fatigue

You are not alone if you have been struggling with fatigue due to long COVID. Many people who have contracted COVID-19 experience post-illness exhaustion that can last for several months or even longer. 

But there is hope! Nature has much to offer in the way of natural remedies that can help you manage your symptoms and regain a sense of normalcy. In this blog post, we will discuss simple yet effective natural remedies and lifestyle changes that will be beneficial in tackling tiredness brought on by long COVID. 

Read on to find out more about treatments that don't involve pharmaceuticals – and may just give you back some of the energy you've been missing since falling ill.

What are the best natural remedies for post-viral fatigue?

There are many supplements and natural remedies available for post-COVID fatigue and long COVID. Here’s a selection you might want to consider.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions, and its role in both supporting relaxation and aiding energy production makes it a valuable tool in the fight against post-viral fatigue. Research has suggested that magnesium deficiency can impair mitochondrial function and thus disrupt energy production - making it difficult for sufferers of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia to regain their lost vigour. 

Fortunately, although challenging, adequate magnesium levels can be restored through supplementation or diet modifications. By replenishing reserves of this vital mineral, people suffering from post-COVID fatigue can start feeling more energised and watch their symptoms recede slowly.

Olive Bach flower remedy

Bach flower remedies are a series of 38 natural remedies, each relating to a different emotion. They heal through the use of energetic vibrations. This process, known as ‘vibrational medicine’, is based on the premise that emotions play an essential role in physical wellbeing and mental health. 

This alternative medicine system uses flower essences from wild plants and trees to treat many emotional ailments, such as fear and anxiety. Each remedy helps to restore balance by focusing on one specific emotional state. 

Olive Bach flower remedy is the best remedy for physical fatigue, including for sufferers of post-viral fatigue, long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome. People feeling drained, depleted, and constantly fatigued should look into Olive as it can help restore energy and vitality.

You can create custom Bach flower remedy blends at Mindful Remedies by choosing up to seven flower remedies in a treatment bottle. You can view all 38 remedies at the link above and create your personalised blend, including Olive and other remedies that may resonate with you.

create a personalised remedy

CoQ10 

If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you may be low on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of your cells. Coenzyme Q10 might just be the boost to the production of ATP that you need. Studies have found that those taking Coenzyme Q10 supplement had an improved ability to exercise and reported feeling better in other ways. 

Not only will it improve your energy levels, but also serves as an antioxidant to give your immunity a boost and reduce muscle pain.

Curcumin

Curcumin has been shown to be a promising treatment for post-COVID fatigue due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Studies have found curcumin can modulate many inflammatory pathways in the body, relieving fatigue symptoms. 

Additionally, curcumin appears to increase cellular levels of glutathione, which is believed to strengthen the body's immune system and help combat fatigue. This natural compound is gaining increasing recognition among scientific circles as a safe, effective way to reduce post-COVID fatigue and improve overall health.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in various plants such as onions, berries, apples, and capers that has been studied for its effects on post-COVID fatigue treatment. It differentiates itself from other treatments because it can modulate inflammation while activating cellular defences against oxidative stress. Quercetin is unique because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing its neuroprotective qualities to protect neurons from oxidative stress and potential injury. 

Studies have revealed that quercetin may help reduce the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, commonly associated with MCAS. This makes it an excellent option for treating post-COVID fatigue caused by MCAS.

How Ashwagandha can ease the impact of stress on the body

Feeling stressed and worn down can take a severe toll on the body, particularly when it comes to fatigue and long-term inflammation. Stress causes bodily responses intended to provide a burst of energy so we can address the issue at hand. 

Unfortunately, this burst can be too powerful, leading to exhaustion both mentally and physically and impeding recovery from post-COVID fatigue. Additionally, high stress levels lead the body to become inflamed, further aggravating any underlying issues such as long COVID. 

Incorporating stress-relieving techniques into our daily routines is vital to protecting our physical wellbeing. Whether it be deep breathing exercises or simply taking time to yourself regularly, managing our stress is vital for our overall health. 

Ashwagandha is an herb used in traditional medicine for centuries to help with stress and anxiety. This powerful adaptogen helps the body manage stress more effectively by encouraging relaxation and making it easier to cope with stressful situations. Regularly taking Ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels and lower symptoms of stress and anxiety, such as fatigue, irritability, and forgetfulness.

Dietary improvements to help with long COVID or post-viral fatigue

With long COVID and post-viral fatigue, it is essential to consider diet improvements that can help alleviate symptoms. Eating nutritious meals can provide energy and improve brain function. Choosing foods with high levels of vitamins C, D, E and B and anti-inflammatory ones like turmeric, omega-3-rich fish like salmon or avocado, or fresh vegetables and fruits filled with antioxidants may make a huge difference. 

Additionally, avoiding processed foods that contain added sugars or unhealthy fats can reduce inflammation and support healthier gut health, resulting in fewer potential health problems. 

Making dietary changes paired with adequate rest can positively affect the body's ability to cope with these challenging conditions.

The importance of gut health in overcoming Long-COVID

The gut has a major role to play when it comes to post-COVID fatigue. Studies have shown that inflammation in the gut causes systemic inflammation throughout the body and can lead to long-lasting fatigue symptoms. 

To improve gut health and reduce post-COVID fatigue, try eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics can help keep your intestinal microbiome healthy. Avoiding foods high in sugar and artificial ingredients can reduce flare-ups.

Fresh Air & Exercise

Getting fresh air and exercising are two essential steps to overcoming post-COVID fatigue. Not only does fresh air bring in much-needed oxygen, but it can also introduce more Vitamin D into your system. 

Spending time outdoors in nature can help rejuvenate your body and mind. To avoid overworking yourself, however, it's essential to practise pacing yourself when exercising. Too much too soon can lead to burnout and worsen fatigue, so incorporate both short bursts of moderate activity with breaks in between.

Sleep

The quality of our sleep plays a vital role in helping us to fight post-COVID fatigue. You can take several steps to ensure you get the best sleep possible and maintain your overall health. 

Firstly, make sure that you're winding down before bedtime by avoiding screens, overly stimulating activities and drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Secondly, create a comfortable environment for sleeping; this includes finding a comfortable temperature and using light-blocking curtains or an eye mask if needed. 

And finally, carving out time for regular exercise during the day will help tire your body, making it easier to fall asleep faster at night. Practising yoga or breathing exercises also helps relax the body and mind, improving sleep quality. 

Even small changes like these can lead to significant improvements in both your mental and physical wellbeing.

What’s next?

If you are struggling with post-COVID fatigue, consider trying some natural remedies like supplements and lifestyle changes. CoQ10, Bach flower remedies, and magnesium can all help boost your energy levels. In addition, making sure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, spend time in nature, and exercise regularly can also make a big difference. 

The next time you feel exhausted, try one of these natural solutions before reaching for the caffeine. And if you want to explore Bach Flower Remedies for exhaustion, Mindful Remedies offers personalised blends that can be tailored to your specific needs.