HERBS
For many years the world wondered how Chinese athletes had such superior performance in sports events. In the 1980s and 1990s dozens of world records were broken and the athletes found themselves being accused of steroid use despite negative drug tests. Slowly we discovered the secret: traditional herbs for energy, stamina and metabolism.
• Cordyceps – Reportedly the herb behind the Chinese dominance of the World Championship Games in 1993, cordyceps increases energy and endurance. It may also relax your airway, allowing you to use less energy to bring oxygen to your muscles.
• Eleuthero Root – Formerly known as Siberian Ginseng, this herb is now cultivated stateside in Oregon, Washington and Northern California. Eleuthero root helps the body adapt to stress and increases energy. Not quite prepared for the marathon? Taking eleuthero root may also help to prevent adrenal burnout and help your body deal with lactic acid build-up, common side effects of overexertion.
• Dong Quai – Not just an herb for female hormone balance, dong quai benefits the circulatory system, increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the tissues and removes metabolic waste toxins. It can also relieve swelling and promote healing.
• Dipsacus – Traditionally used to strengthen sinews and bones, dipsacus is especially useful for lower back and knee pain.
HOMEOPATHICS
Homeopathic solutions provide small amounts of highly diluted substances with the hope that they will stimulate the body to heal itself. They can be taken orally as pills or liquids or injected into the body. Popular homeopathic remedies for athletes include:
• Arnica Montana – for bruises and sprains (e g, following a particularly brutal football tackle)
• Hypericum Perforatum – for nerve pain (e g, if you drop a barbell on your toe in the weight room)
• Rhus Toxicohedron – supports mending of tendons and connective tissue (e g, after that torn tendon following the soccer game with your teenage sons)
• Ruta Graveolens- treats deep bruises (e g, elbow pain after a long tournament against your co-worker)
• Symphytum Officinale – for bone support (e g, if you get hit in the eye with an errant baseball)
EXTERNAL TREATMENTS
Plasters can be placed on a sore muscle like a large bandage. Oils, liniments and creams can be massaged in. All can reduce blood stasis and clotting, relieve swelling and help to repair tissue damage from sprains, strains and injuries. Many external treatments contain analgesic agents such as the pain relieving herb Yan Hu Suo, while the other ingredients help to heal the root of the problem.
With such a wealth of options alternative medicine may hold the key to superior athletic performance. Experiment with these suggestions until you find something that works for you. Whether your goal is to run a five minute mile or simply to be able to play basketball with your grandkids, herbal medicine may help you get there.
