Herbs have fantastic therapeutic benefits that support the athlete in all of us. Today, we’ll discuss how common herbs can help your workouts and your everyday health.
Athletic Benefits of Herbs
Take a look at the athletic benefits of these common herbs:
Herbs have fantastic therapeutic benefits that support the athlete in all of us. Today, we’ll discuss how common herbs can help your workouts and your everyday health.
Athletic Benefits of Herbs
Take a look at the athletic benefits of these common herbs:
- Rosemary: Offers relief of muscle pain and is a great anti-inflammatory in addition to the flavor it adds to foods.
- Lavender: The “Tylenol” of herbs. Offers support for almost anything that ails you.
- Thyme: Helps with mood and keeps you focused on your workouts.
- Chives: Have been shown to prevent cancers and elevate mood.
- Dill: Prevents bone loss.
- Oregano: A powerful anti-oxidant and great source of fiber.
If you want to take advantage of these medicinal benefits, herbs are full of flavor and easy to grow. The cost to grow herbs is minimal compared to purchasing them weekly. You can grow them indoors or outdoors with little effort. If you prefer to perform seasonal gardening, many herbs can be frozen for year-long support through the winter months.
Organic soil supports a healthy herb garden.
A great fresh herb garden might include the following:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Lavender
- Chives
- Oregano
- Dill
This combination will provide a well-rounded array of herbs that can be included in almost every dish, even smoothies. I even love herbs in my water, as I previously shared.
The Power of Fresh Herbs
My recent tour of organic sustainable farms in trip to Ecuador reminded me of the power of herbs in my garden and kitchen. Ecuador brought me back to the gardens of my childhood. I remembered the many herbs in the family gardens, planted in what I thought was a random order. Little did I know this practice was a form of sustainable farming, as herbs can be used as natural pesticides for crops.
Often when we plan our meals, we forget about the power of fresh herbs to make a meal even more nutrient dense. Now I add herbs in abundance at every meal. Here’s a great recipe for an herb mixture that can be used throughout the week. Not only will it make meal prep easier, but it will also add flavor and the many medicinal benefits of fresh herbs to your daily plate.
Make-Ahead Fresh Herb Mix for Athletes
Left: Fresh parsley; Right: Fresh thyme.
Ingredients:
Handful of each, fresh:
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Lavender
- Oregano
Method:
- Place all herbs in a food processor. You can also chop them by hand.
- If using the food processor, make sure not to create a paste, but rather a bouquet of herbs that can be added to almost any dish.
- Place herb mixture in a Mason jar and refrigerate for immediate use, or freeze for future use.
This mixture can be added to almost anything: smoothies, egg dishes, vegetables, broths, and meats. Use generous amounts of the mix for a healthy explosion of flavor in every bite.
You’ll Also Enjoy:
- 4 Plants Every Athlete Needs in the Garden
- Rosemary Garlic Truffle Oil Sweet Potato Fries (Recipe)
- For the Love of Pie: 7 Steps Toward Reconnecting With Your Food
- New on Breaking Muscle Right Now
Photos courtesy of V Capaldi.
Teaser photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
