Why Athletes Are Turning to Herbs
In the world of fitness, peak performance is about more than just training hard—it’s about training smart. Increasingly, athletes and active individuals are looking for natural performance enhancers that fuel endurance, support muscle recovery, and promote overall health without synthetic ingredients.
Enter maca, turmeric, and ashwagandha—three powerhouse herbs used for centuries in traditional wellness systems, now backed by modern science. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, recovering from intense workouts, or simply looking to feel stronger every day, these herbs can help you go further, recover faster, and stay in the game longer.
Why Natural Herbal Supplements Work for Athletes
Synthetic pre-workouts and recovery aids can provide quick bursts of energy but often come with side effects—jitters, crashes, or long-term strain on the body. Herbal alternatives work differently.
- Adaptogens like ashwagandha help the body adapt to physical and mental stress, keeping energy and mood balanced.
- Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric reduce soreness and joint stiffness.
- Nutrient-rich roots like maca naturally enhance stamina and recovery.
These plant-based supplements nourish the body, offering benefits that extend far beyond the gym.
Maca
The Endurance Root
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a robust root vegetable grown in high-altitude regions, prized for its energizing, adaptogenic properties. Naturally rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients—especially iron, calcium, and potassium—maca nourishes the body at the cellular level. It also contains unique compounds called macamides and macaenes, believed to support stamina, hormonal balance, and endurance. These qualities make maca especially beneficial for those engaged in strength training, endurance sports, or high-intensity interval workouts.
Benefits for athletes:
1. Boosts Endurance & Workout Performance
Maca helps increase stamina and reduce fatigue during high-intensity exercise—ideal for runners, weightlifters, and anyone with an active lifestyle.
2. Supports Hormonal Balance
With naturally occurring plant sterols, maca promotes balanced hormone levels. This is key for steady energy, mood regulation, and faster recovery post-exercise.
3. Enhances Post-Workout Recovery
Rich in essential nutrients like:
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- B vitamins – aid in natural energy production
- Calcium and magnesium – support muscle contraction and bone strength
These nutrients help replenish what’s lost during physical exertion, supporting muscle repair and reducing recovery time.
4. Adaptogenic Support for Stress
As an adaptogen, maca helps the body adapt to both physical and mental stress. This makes it valuable for consistent performance and overall resilience.
5. Improves Mental Clarity & Focus
Maca isn't just for the body—many users report enhanced focus, alertness, and a more balanced mood, making it a powerful pre-workout herb for both mental and physical performance.
How to use it:
Take maca capsules as part of your pre-workout stack for sustained energy. Add 1–2 teaspoons of maca powder to smoothies or oatmeal before workouts.
→ Shop Maca Products
Turmeric
The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a vibrant yellow root with powerful bioactive properties. Its key compound, curcumin, has been extensively studied for its ability to regulate inflammation, support heart health, and neutralize free radicals. These qualities are especially valuable for athletes managing the wear and tear of physical activity. Turmeric also helps minimize muscle soreness after exercise while supporting healthy circulation—critical for nutrient delivery and post-exercise recovery.
Benefits for athletes:
1. Speeds Post-Workout Recovery
Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, helps reduce inflammation triggered by intense exercise. This promotes faster muscle repair, less soreness, and a quicker return to training.
2. Supports Joint Health & Mobility
Regular physical activity can strain joints over time. Turmeric helps maintain flexibility and comfort by reducing joint inflammation, making it especially valuable for endurance athletes and lifters.
3. Protects Muscles from Oxidative Stress
Exercise generates free radicals that can damage muscle tissue. Turmeric’s antioxidant effects help neutralize oxidative stress, protecting muscles and supporting long-term physical resilience.
4. Enhances Overall Athletic Longevity
By addressing inflammation at the cellular level, turmeric helps preserve joint and muscle function—crucial for maintaining consistent performance and avoiding injury over time.
5. Supports Immune Resilience During Training
Intense training can temporarily suppress immune function. Turmeric’s immune-supportive properties help strengthen the body’s defenses, reducing the risk of illness and keeping athletes consistent in their routines.
→ Explore Turmeric Options
Ashwagandha
The Strength & Stress Regulator
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a root-based adaptogen that helps regulate the body’s stress response and improve physiological resilience. It contains withanolides—bioactive compounds that help reduce cortisol levels, support thyroid function, and modulate the nervous system. Ashwagandha is particularly valued for enhancing muscle strength, improving recovery, and supporting restful sleep. It also plays a role in balancing energy without overstimulation, making it ideal for both performance enhancement and recovery phases.
Benefits for athletes:
1. Increases Muscle Mass & Strength
Ashwagandha has been shown to naturally support muscle development and strength gains, especially when combined with resistance training. It helps enhance physical performance without the need for synthetic supplements.
2. Reduces Cortisol for Faster Recovery
High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can impede muscle growth and prolong recovery. Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, supporting a more balanced post-workout state and quicker recovery.
3. Promotes Restorative Sleep
Quality sleep is critical for muscle repair and overall recovery. Ashwagandha supports deep, restful sleep by calming the nervous system—allowing your body to rebuild and recharge more effectively.
4. Builds Long-Term Resilience
As an adaptogen, ashwagandha strengthens the body’s response to physical and mental stress. This supports better workout consistency, endurance, and overall well-being over time.
5. Boosts Endurance and Energy Naturally
By improving your V02 max (the maximum amount of oxygen your body uses during a strenuous workout), ashwagandha helps athletes sustain energy during workouts—making it a natural choice for lasting stamina.
How to use it:
Take capsules daily to maintain consistent adaptogenic support. Add ashwagandha powder to evening tea to promote deep rest.
→ Browse Ashwagandha Products
Stacking These Herbs for Maximum Results
Maca, turmeric, and ashwagandha aren’t quick fixes—they’re time-tested, nutrient-rich herbs for strength, stamina, and recovery. Whether you’re lifting, running, cycling, or practicing yoga, these herbs can help you train harder and bounce back faster.
Here's an Example of an EGH Herbal Performance Plan*:
- Morning/Pre-workout: Smoothie with maca powder for sustained energy
- Post-training: Golden milk with turmeric & black pepper to reduce inflammation
- Night: Ashwagandha tea or capsules for recovery and restful sleep
What Makes Evergreen Herbs Different?
We’re deeply committed to authenticity and quality, sourcing only wildcrafted and organic herbs that reflect nature at its best. You won’t find any synthetic additives or fillers in our products—just pure herbs. Each batch is third-party lab tested to confirm its purity and potency, so you can feel confident in what you're getting. We’re a family-owned company and have been doing this before “clean wellness” was a buzzword. If you’re looking for real herbs with real integrity, we’ve got you.
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*These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a physician prior to starting any exercise or wellness program.
