Herbal Power: Natural Resource for Bodybuilding
Herbs as a Tool in Weight Loss, Digestion, and Muscle Tissue Repair
Oct 24, 2009
Herbs throughout the ages have been a source of healing, flavor, and energy itself. Nowadays, distributors of herbal supplements and natural herbs have been paying increased attention to the role that herbs can contribute to the needs of the bodybuilder.
Herbs have little food value—they neither add nor detract from the nutritional quotient of an established diet plan, but they can contribute positively to some of lifestyle issues faced by bodybuilders. There are a considerable variety of herbs which offer such potential benefits.
Digestion
There are several herbs and herbal compounds that can assist the bodybuilder in maintaining a trouble-free digestive system: :
Milk Thistle - An extract derived from the seeds of a thorny plant of the daisy family, milk thistle helps maintain the healthy functioning of the liver. Usually found in capsule form in most health food stores nowadays, milk thistle is marketed as a bioflavanoid, which means it contains antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is also said to support the immune system—and during bodybuilding pre-contest period, the immune system is really overworked from intense training.Artichoke, Fennel, Black Pepper, Marjoram,
Lavender - These are some better known herbs with the attribute of either strengthening the stomach, assisting in digestion, or helping reduce indigestion. The artichoke is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants. Marjoram is something like a mild oregano with a sweet fragrance. It is good with beef, veal, lamb, roast poultry, green vegetables, or added to stews, soups, or dressings.
Weight Control
Dropping fat without losing muscle tissue is a frequent bodybuilding concern. Taking in only essential fatty acids is another concern. There are herbs which can be added to many dishes to assist in naturally managing both concerns:
Garlic, Ginger, Onion - These are also antioxidant herbs which can delay the degradation of oil. Add one to the oil as soon as it is hot to preserve its freshness when cooking.
Dandelion, Parsley, Basil - Less harsh than some chemical compounds, these herbs assist with fat loss because they have either diuretic or laxative effects on the system. Dandelion leaves, for instance, make a nice addition to a green salad while also promoting urination.
Herbs for Prevention, Stamina and Endurance
Another beneficial area of herbal use for bodybuilders will be their value in contributing to simple prevention, to building better stamina and endurance levels for both strength and cardio training activity.
Prevention - Intense, prolonged exercise can lead to deficiencies and lowered immunity. Ginseng root is an herb widely credited for such qualities as strengthening the immune system, reducing fatigue and sharpening the mind. Many herbs are also useful antioxidants—aside from garlic, ginger and onion, you might also consider a cup of green tea. Echinacea is certainly one of the most popular herbs nowadays for its ability to stimulate certain white blood cells, which may help as an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.
Stamina and Endurance - Ginseng Root is again one of the best-known herbs for increasing energy levels, but there are other herbal sources: St. John’s Wort, for instance, is valued for its action in elevating the mood and stimulating the nerves. Gingko Biloba is an extract from a leaf-like herb that acts to increase oxygen and blood flow to the brain while also increasing nutrient and oxygen absorption by nerve tissue.
Understanding and Safely Using Herbs
While herbs have both their strong advocates and strong critics, the reality seems to be somewhere between "completely safe" nor "poison". Thus, if you take too little there can be little benefit, take the right amount of the proper herb, and you can enjoy healing benefits, and take too much for too long and you may have problems. Some general guidelines to equip yourself with in investigating and possibly using herbs:
- Consult with someone who is properly trained before using herbs to treat any medical condition.
- Consult with your doctor or herbalist if you are also taking Western prescription medications.
- Always read labels carefully. If there are claims or ingredients made on the label that you do not understand, do more research to fully understand how valid they are.
- Read about an herb in at least two different sources before taking it. If you can also talk to an herbalist or nutritionist with an expertise in herbs, this will also be a good third source.
- Follow dosage recommendations. More is not always better.
- Take notice of possible side effects. Do additional research to understand the full effects..
- Monitor yourself for reactions, and stop using herbs immediately if you notice any negative effects.
- If you have a serious reaction to an herb, call an emergency number for medical assistance.
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