5 Herbs for Athletes to Support Performance and Recovery

Expert Author
Mauricio Elizondo Physical Therapist | Sports Clearwater, FL

As an athletic trainer and physical therapist, as well as a former national team swimmer, Mauricio Elizondo understands injured athletes. At 18 years old, he suffered a shoulder injury and had his appendix removed (yes, both happened at the same time!) that forced him to withdraw from his swimming national championship... more

Other than the daily dose of recommended greens, here is an interesting list of natural HERBS you can use to support over all healing before and after Physical Therapy workouts! Try them for yourself!

  • Turmeric- Turmeric has been used to support the body's response to occasional pain and promote normal inflammatory function - such as after pushing your body during exercise.
  • Boswellia- Boswellia has been used to support a healthy response to occasional pain and to promote a healthy inflammatory response by naturally inhibiting certain enzymes. It also supports healthy joints and promotes healthy blood flow to the body's connective tissue. Boswellia also supports gut health - an aspect of health you may know all too well during long runs and strenuous workouts - by nourishing the mucosal lining of the GI tract.
  • American Ginseng- Supports oxygen uptake and healthy metabolism of lactic acid, which is important to athletes.* It promotes balance in the neuroendocrine system as well as Cognitive performance, including support for reaction time.
  • Eleuthero- Eleuthero helps support healthy blood sugar levels already within normal ranges. In addition, it can support optimal use of glycogen and the high-energy phosphorus compounds ADP and ATP (aka what provides energy for cellular processes). Eleuthero also has been shown to promote metabolism of lactic and pyruvic acids to promote energy production.
  • Maca- Maca root has been used as a caffeine-free, plant-based performance enhancer since the days of the Inca warriors. It assists with healthy energy and stamina, as well as support for a healthy libido in both men and women. Maca is an adaptogen, meaning it supports your ability to manage stress. Adaptogens help you "adapt" to whatever life brings.