“I am running a marathon. Are there any natural remedies that might help me?”
Medical herbalist Gabriella Clarke answers:
Perhaps you are a seasoned marathon runner or maybe it’s your first time. You may be doing it to support your favourite charity or just as a fitness challenge. Whatever the reason and whatever your level of fitness, this can be a challenging experience so let’s take look at what nature has in store to help you through this great physical event.
After a long run you will inevitably suffer from sore and aching muscles. Magnesium is fantastic for relieving aching muscles and is also important for a healthy nervous system. Try taking 400mg of a magnesium supplement or alternatively try a 20-minute Epsom salt bath soak.
Whether you add this fabulous spice to your after-training meal or take it as a supplement, turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits making it a perfect choice for your post workout regime.
If joint pain is an issue for you then Devils Claw is the perfect herb. Running causes huge stress on joints which can result in pain and inflammation. Clinical trials have indicated that devils claw is the perfect choice for osteoarthritis, which often affects marathon runners as well as people who do a lot of sport where wear and tear of joints are common.
This fabulous adaptogenic Siberian herb is mostly used to treat anxiety and stress, but Rhodiola rosea also has performance-enhancing benefits both mentally and physically. Try taking this wonderful remedy before the event and during training to maximise your fitness potential.
