Natural health: What can I do about my very low energy levels? 

Plus: natural ways of dealing with flaky, painful skin

Pic: iStock

I retired in January at 60. I had plans to travel with my husband and spend more time with my grandchildren, but between covid and a chest infection, my energy levels are at an all-time low. Is there a supplement or tonic you could suggest?

Several natural remedies are excellent for the deep fatigue you are experiencing. One of the easiest to source and use is liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), pictured. It is sweet and becomes sweeter the longer you steep it.

Liquorice contains glycosides, which support adrenal health and address muscular fatigue, along with natural cortisone, which is also nourishing for the adrenal glands. Liquorice supplements or large quantities of liquorice tea are not to be taken if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

To make a herbal infusion using dried liquorice root, add a teaspoon of the root per cup of water and steep for as long as you like.

You can also re-infuse the same dried root three to four times throughout the day rather than make a fresh batch.

Since this infusion will become sweeter on standing, it is often used to stave off sugar cravings, a common side effect with low energy levels.

Food is your medicine for supporting healthy energy levels and fighting fatigue. Ensure you eat a whole-foods diet and include fresh fruit and vegetables daily. It’s ideal if you can shop at local farmers’ markets, where you will find freshly harvested local produce.

If you have a healthy diet and lifestyle but still feel exhausted, you might like to try Korean (Panax ginseng).

This medicinal shrub can be a little difficult to find and expensive, in which case Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a good alternative. Siberian ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that has a gentle, supportive action — improving energy levels while providing immune support and repair.

You could also try vitamin B-complex since stress (emotional, mental, and physical) burns through our stores of this vitamin group. Excellent B-complex supplements, including a tonic made by Floradix, are readily available.

If your immune system is still not firing on all cylinders, try supplementing with vitamins C, D, and zinc. The recommended dosage for zinc is 15mg daily, vitamin C is 3,000-5,000mg daily in increments of 500mg (sodium ascorbate is the most gut-friendly form), and take 1,000IU of vitamin D3.

The skin behind my ears tends to get flaky and sometimes cracks, which can be painful. I’m in my late 30s and in general good health. Is there a natural salve I could use?

Flaking skin behind the ears can occur for a variety of reasons, the most simple being ineffective drying after a shower or bath.

Seborrheic dermatitis can appear in patches on the scalp and behind the ears and is thought to be associated with overproduction of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale, which is naturally present on the scalp and also linked with dandruff and flaking scalp.

As far as a natural salve, I suggest you try calendula (Calendula officinalis). It will help soothe and heal the area, help prevent inflammation and support immune function, which is often a factor in wounds that take longer to heal.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) can help to regulate skin cell production, so getting fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and quality oils is essential. If you cannot get sufficient EFAs through your diet, you can meet your needs with an EFA supplement.

• If you have a question for Megan Sheppard please send it to [e-mail] 
• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.