Useful Herbs for Fitness & Sport

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Herb Extract

Ashwagandha is also called the "Ginseng of India" and like Ginseng, it is used to enhance the body’s ability to cope with stress and generally to enhance mental acuity, reaction time and physical performance. It has a traditional reputation as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body to adapt both physical and emotional stress. Ashwagandha is considered a tonic, said to protect the organism from illness through maintaining the healthy balance of physical energies, to improve sexual performance and increase the sense of well-being. Studies show that it may reduce anxiety, bolster the immune system and relieve the pain and swelling associated with inflammation.

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Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa) Extract 10:1 / Bark Powder

Chuchuhuasi means "trembling back,” which refers to its use as a back pain reliever. The indigenous people of the Amazon have used the bark for centuries for the treatment of aching muscles and joints in rheumatism and arthritis. Local healers and Curanderos in South America use Chuchuhuasi as a general tonic and immunity stimulant to speed healing, and as a synergist combined with other medicinal plants for many types of sicknesses. People along the Amazon believe that Chuchuhuasi is an aphrodisiac. The bark soaked in rum is a popular drink that is common to find it in many restaurants and bars in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. A tea made of the bark is an excellent beverage on its own.

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Cistanche / Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche deserticola) Stem Extract Powder

Rou Cong Rong is one of the commonly used drugs in Chinese traditional medicine to improve energy levels and strengthen the back and knees. It is used to treat impotence and reinforce the vital function of kidney. It is said that many of the compounds found in Cistanche have antioxidant properties and protect the liver from toxins.

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Cocoa Bean / Xocolatl (Theobroma cacao) Extract

Cocoa bean is the dried and fully fermented fatty seed of Theobroma cacao, from which cocoa solids and cocoa butter are extracted. Historical evidence points to the use of cocoa in a medicinal capacity for over two thousand years, since the time of the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilisations and following its introduction to europe around 500 years ago.

A cup of cocoa has almost three times the antioxidants of a cup of green tea, another drink renowned for its health benefits. It is also higher in antioxidants than most fruits and berries. Chocolates reputation as an aphrodisiac seems to have begun with the aztecs who made a drink fermented from cocoa beans which they called xocolatl.

Only 1 or 2 capsules filled with this cocoa extract should be enough to give the positive, mood enhancing and energizing effects that good chocolate is known for. More info

Dodder Seed (Cuscuta chinensis) Extract

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dodder Seed is known for powerful effects on the male constitution. It is widely used to remedy sexual problems like impotency, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, and low sperm count. It helps nourishing the kidneys and boosting energy levels. It is also taken to alleviate other symptoms of kidney deficiency like low back pain, tinnitus, diarrhoea, dizziness, and blurred vision, and has a long history of use as a longevity herb.

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Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Root Extract

Ginseng has been used in China for more than 2,000 years as a general body tonic to enhance physical strength and resistance and is becoming more and more popular in the western world. It is one of the most highly regarded of herbal medicines in the Orient, where it has gained an almost magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigour and also to prolong life. It is taken to stimulate and relax the nervous system, encourage the secretion of hormones, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increase resistance to disease. Further it is used in the treatment of debility associated with old age or illness, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, shock and chronic illness. Athletes with the intention of improving stamina commonly use Ginseng. More info

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extract

Over the last few decades green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its amazing health benefits, with some evidence suggesting regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer. Green tea has also been claimed as a useful aid for "weight loss management". Green tea extract is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. This extract contains 30% natural caffeine and together with the other contained phytochemicals it makes a healthy and potent energy booster. Caution: Individuals sensitive to caffeine should be careful with this product.

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Guarana (Paullina cupana) seed extract

Amazonian Indians used Guarana for centuries as a heart tonic and to thin the blood. Today it is well known for its stimulant action and is taken as a health tonic by millions. Brazilians believe it helps over come heat fatigue, combats premature aging, detoxifies the blood, and is useful for flatulence, obesity, dyspepsia, fatigue and arteriosclerosis. In North America it is reputed to increase stamina and physical endurance. Scientific validation is given to its antiaggregation properties, meaning its ability to prevent the formation of blood clots and to help in the breakdown of clots that had already been formed.
Caution: Quantities less than a quarter of a teaspoon (500mg) of this extract are already powerful and may cause too much stimulantion in individuals sensitive to caffeine.

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Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) Leaf Tea

In Ecuador Guayusa has been used from ancient times to modern day to increase physical and mental capacity, to fight fatigue, and to restore youthful energy.  Generally hailed as a long-life plant it is consumed daily for nourishment as well as to lift the mood and increase memory and concentration. Indigenous hunters drink guayusa to sharpen their instincts and call it the “Night Watchman" because it helps them stay alert and awake all night. For many Ecuadorian indigenous people, the morning drinking of guayusa is a social ritual. The leaves are boiled to produce a tea; due to the high caffeine content, the same leaves are often used multiple times, sometimes for several days. In addition to caffeine, guayusa also contains guanidine.

Functioning as a balanced stimulant, the Kichwa also say that guayusa promotes restful sleep and good dreams. Unlike coffee, it is said to be good for excessive acidity, bile and other problems in the stomach. It is both energizing and relaxing at the same time and develops mental strength.

Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii) 10:1 Extract

Hoodia is a genus of succulent plants in the family Apocynaceae that is widely used traditionally by the San people of southern Africa as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for severe abdominal cramps,  hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes. African scientists have discovered that Hoodia gordonii contains a previously unknown molecule, which is now known as P57. P57 has an effect which is about 10,000 times as active as glucose and it's effect is to make anyone taking it feel as though they were full. Some users also say that it has a mild euphoric and aphrodisiac effect. Hoodia has no known side effects but is recommended for adults only. Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding.

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Iporuro (Alchornea castaneifolia) Leaf Powder

Iporuro is traditionally used for inflammatory problems such as arthritis, rheumatisms, muscle and joint pains, to increase flexibility and the range of motion. Therefore it is prepared as an alcoholic tincture and taken orally or applied topically. Iporuro has been gaining popularity among North American athletes and health practitioners recently; reports indicate that Iporuro provides nutritional support to muscle and joint structures. It is also showing great promise in balancing sugar levels in diabetics. Further Iporuro is considered to be a geriatric, meaning it is useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases specific to the aging process. Finally Iporuro leaves are believed to be a remedy in the treatment of Impotency and are ingredients in the famous Siete Raices aphrodisiac.

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Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Root Extract 10:1

Milk Vetch Root / Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus)

For more than 2,000 years, Chinese herbalists have used Milk vetch root to encourage the body systems to function correctly, to improve physical endurance and for its immune enhancing properties, especially to the cold. It can strengthen the heart, improve microcirculation, rapidly but briefly reduce blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, promote the development and maturity of blood cells, and improve kidney function. In China, it has long been used as a classic energy tonic and is considered to be superior to ginseng for young, physically active people, helping to increase stamina and endurance. Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-aging effects it is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine.

Mucuna / Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Extract

Mucuna seed extract is one of the best tonics to improve vitality. It has been reported to be useful in maintaining optimum performance of the nervous system. A significant constituent of Mucuna is L-dopa that is used to make dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter and an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement. It is shown to increase testosterone levels, leading to deposition of protein in the muscles and increased muscle mass and strength. Mucuna pruriens also has antioxidant properties and helps support libido among aging individuals. It is reported that it has been scientifically validated by many clinical studies to prove its benefits.

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Rhodiola / Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea) Root Extract 10:1

Rhodiola has been extensively studied as an adaptogen with various health-promoting effects. In traditional folk medicine the roots were used to increase physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders. In Middle Asia, Rhodiola tea was the most effective treatment for cold and flu during severe Asian winters. Mongolian doctors prescribed it for tuberculosis and cancer. Vikings used the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance. Researchers described its benefits for pain, headache, scurvy, hemorrhoids, as a stimulant, and as an anti-inflammatory.

Rhodiola rosea may be effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Pilot studies on human subjects showed that it improves physical and mental performance, and may reduce fatigue.

Schisandra berry / Wu Wei Zi / (Schisandra chinensis)

The classical Chinese medicine described Schisandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide variety of medical conditions, especially as a kidney tonic and lung astringent. It is also widely known as a non-irritating aphrodisiac, regarded to increase stamina in males and excitability in females. Chinese herbalists use Schisandra as a kidney tonic, for coughs, night sweats, insomnia, thirst, and physical exhaustion. It is also regarded useful to improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue.

Shilajit / Mineral Pitch (Asphaltum puniabiunum)

Shilajit is a natural concentrate of fossilized plants appearing as a compact mass of bituminous substance that oozes from rocks in the Himalayas during hot weather. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine had attributed divine powers to it. In India Shilajit is called the “destroyer of weakness” and is used since ancient times as a powerful tonic to increase energy, strength, and libido, to boost the immune system, to treat diabetes, kidney disorders, gall stones, bronchitis and asthma, skin diseases, enhance brain functioning, speed recovery from injures, reduce the effects of arthritis, hypertension, and obesity and much more.

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Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Root Extract

Siberian Ginseng has a long history in Eastern Medicine and has quickly gained a reputation in Western natural medicine for its nervine tonic effects. It is an adaptogen that has a wide range of health benefits, including increased endurance, anti-fatigue, memory improvement, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, immunogenic, chemoprotective, and radiological protection.

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