Eight Revolutionary Medicinal Plants for Health and Fitness
Anyone who engages in regular exercise is putting their system under some stress. The bodies cells experience damage and increased toxins each time we work out. The use of medicinal plants and herbs is a great way to counteract this.
They contain many properties that remove the toxins in the cells and help to speed up the recovery time of the body. By using natural methods of healing you can avoid negative side effects of over the counter medications. As they say ‘nature has a cure for everything’. These are the eight best plants to relieve stress.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
The root of the ginger plant can be consumed in many forms. It can be taken fresh, dried, or even as a juice. The key benefits of ginger include reducing nausea, pain, and inflammation.
It is safe to use during pregnancy as a means of nausea relief. Take it as a tablet or a candy. It also contains compounds to aid digestion by stimulating saliva and bile production.
A favorite way to consume ginger is as a tea. Add lemon and honey to it to improve taste and vitamin C content. Take it as a preventative, or at the first signs of a cold or flu to ease the symptoms.
You can add it fresh to a juice or smoothie. And you can also add it dried too many recipes to add a bit of extra spice to your meals.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is in the same family of plants as ginger. It is a very versatile spice with many medicinal properties. Chiefly among them, is the ability to reduce inflammation after exercise. Due to the active compound, it contains, Curcumin, a natural Anti-Inflammatory.
ANTIOXIDANT
It also increases the antioxidant capacity of the body, and it has been linked to improved brain function. Furthermore, turmeric supports healthy joints, promoting increased mobility.
CHOLESTEROL REGULATION
It encourages healthy cholesterol levels and soothes digestion by reducing symptoms of indigestion and gut inflammation and stimulating the gallbladder to produce more bile to break down food.
EASY TO CONSUME
For recipe ideas for turmeric, there are many options. Make it with warm milk, or add it to your meals. Or, if you want to keep things simple, you can buy it as a supplement.
You cannot go wrong by adding turmeric into your diet. Mixing it with pepper allows your body to better digest this compound. The daily recommended allowance of this spice is 500-2000mg.
Ginseng (Panax vietnamensis)
Ginseng comes from the root of several plant species in the Panax genus. It grows in North America and Northern Asian countries such as China and Korea.
It contains 2-3% of a compound called ginsenosides. This substance accounts for its main medicinal benefits. It has anti-fatigue effects because ginsenosides help to fight fatigue and enhance physical performance.
The plant is also known to increase testosterone in men. It is also known for its use as an aphrodisiac, and it is believed to boost libido in males. Ginseng can be brewed into a tea, or it can also be found as a powder or as a supplement.
Some studies also suggest Ginseng can benefit brain function and protect against cancer, so you really cannot go wrong with this super plant.
Cannabis (Cannabinoids)
This plant may come as a surprise to some. It may have acquired a bad reputation in the past, but marijuana has a variety of applications. The medicinal benefits of its main active ingredient, cannabinoids, are becoming recognized more widely in society.
MULTIPLE BENEFITS
Some of these beneficial properties include reduced anxiety, reduced inflammation, pain relief, and increased bone metabolism to promote stronger bones. They can even lead to a reduced risk of diabetes and obesity.
INTAKE METHODS
To enjoy this product in its most potent form, use a pollen press. This handy product ensures the best intake of the active ingredients. Innovations in the consumption of cannabis also include vape pens, edibles, capsules, and creams.
CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES
Cannabinoids also contain cancer-fighting properties, and there is recent research suggesting they are valuable for people suffering from PTSD. The cannabinoids help prevent retrieval of the trauma while promoting emotional wellbeing.
LEGAL STATUS
Cannabis remains illegal in some countries, but the tide is changing as the research all points towards its beneficial properties.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
This little plant, resembling small daisies, is known for having anti-anxiety properties. The calming effects of chamomile are best experienced as a tea. It is safe for long term use and has been shown in studies to be more effective than a placebo in treating generalized anxiety disorder.
There are other ways to take this product. It can also be supplemented as a liquid, a capsule or tablet form. Remember to be careful with dosage though, as it can cause allergic reactions with some people.
A calming chamomile tea after a workout is a great way to get you back down to your steady baseline.
Peppermint (Mentha balsamea)
The soothing benefits of peppermint are well known. It can relieve digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, and indigestion when brewed as a tea. Peppermint can help to relieve tension, headaches, migraines, and also menstrual cramps.
As an ingredient, it can heighten your energy levels, freshen your breath, and relieve clogged sinuses.
Something it can be applied topically to the body as a lotion or liquid to alleviate muscle soreness. On top of all this, peppermint tea before bed can be a great aid to relaxation that will improve your sleep.
Lavender (Genus Lavandula)
The lovely scent of lavender is familiar to us all. Beyond this, it also possesses several medicinal properties. According to some studies, it can have benefits for the nervous system.
It can alleviate stress and insomnia, and it can be used as a mild antidepressant. Add lavender oil to your bath to feel these benefits. Another option is to add small doses of the flowers to salads, honey, and lemonades for a richer taste.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
The oils and tannins in the fragrant leaves of lemon balm have an antispasmodic effect on the stomach and nervous system. These can help to relieve stress and tension.
Remember that so many times when we engage in exercise, we are putting stress on the other systems of the body. The immune system, the nervous system, and the digestive system.
A lemon balm and peppermint infusion is an excellent defense for the immune system, a great calmer of the nervous system and the digestive system. Start your days regularly with a boost like this, and you will be capable of reaching higher levels of fitness than you could ever imagine was possible.
Conclusion
These super plants are an unrivaled natural source for improved health. All the bodies systems placed in stress by exercise are aided in their swift recovery by these plants; from the digestive system to the circulatory system to the nervous and immune systems.
They come in a variety of forms, to better fit your preferred intake method. Always use the recommended safe dosages for these products. And enjoy the full range of health benefits from improved energy to quicker recovery time, as well as a better mental state and peace of mind.