I thought I would assemble a list of herbs I believe have a benificial use to athletes and those who would like to be, not in any particular order.
This is merely an opinion and open for debate and any additions are welcome.
1. Ginsengs: Adaptogens that I believe should be taken together to balance the bodies functions but can be taken alone to balance deficiencies. All qi tonics.
**Asian (red) Warming stimulant. Produces strongest stimulation. Increases energy and stimulates bodily function.
**American (white) Cooling in nature, soothing. Referred to as "China's superior tonic". Increase bodily fluids. Calming adaptogen often used in conjunction with Siberian ginseng for depression, insomnia, fatigue.
**Siberian (eleutherococcus senticosus) Not really ginseng but produces similar effects so it's classified as such. Increase stamina, endurance, resistance to stress. Taken by those with insomnia and stressful lifestyle.
2. Ashwagandha: General tonic and adaptogen. Helps the body adapt to stress, physical and psychological. Stimulates the immune system. I was once told by a TCM practitioner that I should "take ashwagandha at night before bed to wake up stronger than a horse." Sexual tonic, positive effects on endocrine, cardio, and central nervous system.
3. Gotu Kola: Gotu kola has been referred to as "food for the brain". This herb demonstrated mild tranquilizing, anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects, as well as improving mental functions such as concentration and memory. It has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system. Prevention of mental fatigue and enhanced concentration and memory. A balancing tonic that both increases energy and relaxes the body. Stimulates the central nervous system, aids circulation especially in the legs, and is a mild diuretic. Aids in many types of wound healing. Tibetan monks use the essential oil mixed in a sesame oil base to enhance meditation by rubbing into temples.
This is by far my favorite.
4. Fo-Ti: Blood tonic used to strengthen the blood, invigorate the liver and kidneys, and supplement vital energy (qi). Processed fo-ti is one of the more widely used tonics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which employs it to enhance longevity, increase vigor, and promote fertility. It is also an ingredient in TCM formulas for premature gray hair, low back pain, angina pectoris, low energy, and other conditions. I believe the athlete should use this blood builder due to the stress on the organs when taking large quantities of supplements and excessive calorie consumption.
5. Ma Huang: Too much to list and I may start going off so here's the best site for the proper description and use.
http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/bot...otany/Ephedra/
Groundbreaking isn't it.
