Repair Your Muscles and Keep Crushing Workouts!

Inflammation is a natural part of the muscle growth process. Every person who lifts, works out, or is an athlete experiences it due to the strain that they put on their body. In fact, the stress response of inflammation is actually vital to growth. The body uses it as a single to repair that area and sends cells to the area to help build tissue. That being said, inflammation can be a tiring experience. If you workout frequently and are consistently putting your body under this type of stress without a break, you are prone to cause an overall inflammation response that is taxing on your body’s wellbeing as a whole. This is why it is important to use natural ways of taking down inflammation to give your body a rest. If your goal is to grow muscle, make strength gains, or improve performance… then a healthy balance of inflammation is key. You will be able to hit your next workout sooner and just as hard as the previous by reducing overall inflammation which can cause soreness, fatigue, and stress on your system. It will also help increase overall blood flow which helps deliver nutrients to your muscles and further increase repair time.

Try this Anti-Inflammatory Tea to Naturally Decrease Inflammation

Why It Works

Ginger Root: This root contains many properties that are similar to what is used in anti-inflammation pharmaceutical drugs but with no side effects. Anti-Inflammation drugs are actually shown to cause to much of a decrease on inflammation and can lead to a decrease in muscle adaptation. Using natural substitutes that are less potent but still effective are the way to go. Ginger helps suppress prostaglandins which are the molecules that cause an inflammatory response. Think of it as a natural soothing element that you can apply to your muscles from the inside to help ease and relax them.

Turmeric Root: Very similar to ginger, turmeric root helps suppress prostaglandins. The active property in turmeric that causes this response is Curcumin. Curcumin is even considered a painkiller because it can actively knock out several inflammatory chemicals produced in the body. Turmeric is packed with anti-oxidants to further aid in cell repair and recovery time. It’s also found to have a nootropic effect and boost mood which can help you feel better after a stressful workout.

Calendula Petals: This is truly a medicinal flower. Calendula is used externally and internally as a powerful medicine for tissue repair. It is most often linked to healing skin, but it’s properties are just as useful for internal tissue repair (ie. your muscles). Calendula is packed with flavonoid anti-oxidants to protect your cells from free radicals. Anti-oxidants and linoleic acid, both found in Calendula, are strong inflammation blockers. But wait! There’s more. Calendula can also ease muscle tension and help muscles relax. This is great for soreness and even cramping. Calendula is also a wound healer because it helps bring oxygen to your tissue by increasing blood flow. Increased blood flow is a secret weapon in muscle growth because it floods your muscles with nutrients.

Lemon: Vitamin C is an excellent choice when trying to reduce chronic inflammation. It is essential for the production of collagen which repairs tissue, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Citrus fruits are also full of anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants. Adding squeezes of lemon juice is a quick way to boost your intake of vitamin C and these anti-oxidants. Although Vitamin C supplements can help, they are not as reliable as getting the vitamin from a whole food source. I like to use both to get Vitamin C all throughout the day.

Honey: Honey has long been used as a medicinal component, especially in wound healing. It is a natural anti-bacterial substance which makes it a great tool for wound care. For inflammation, honey combines the two essential elements found in the items above… anti-oxidants and inflammation blockers. It’s the perfect ingredient to complete this healing tea because it adds a sweetness to all the tart ingredients.

How it Tastes

This tea has a very clean, tart, and tangy taste. The honey balances this out and adds a sweet element. You can adjust the honey depending on how tart you like the tea. The turmeric gives it a slightly salty taste which seems odd but actually tastes good. Overall, this tea is a great palate cleanser and tastes good at anytime of day.

When to Use

I like to drink this tea after breakfast and then on throughout the day. I recommend using it 1-2 times a day. You can re-steep the first cup for a milder second cup. I recommend using it the next day after a workout, not directly after a workout. As stated in the beginning of the post, inflammation is essential for muscle building. It is good to give the muscles some time to feel that adaption response. Sleep is the best repair of all, so get some sleep and then the next day have some tea to help with soreness.

How to Make

Ingredients

• 1in fresh ginger root

• 1in fresh turmeric root

• 1 tbsp calendula petals

• 2 lemon wedges

• 1-2 tsp honey

Process

1. Slice up the ginger and turmeric into thin rounds

2. Place ginger, turmeric, calendula petals into a teapot, tea cup with a steeping section, or fillable tea bag.

3. Squeeze lemon juice over these ingredients and drizzle in the honey.

4. Pour boiling water over the above and let steep for 7-10 minutes.

5. Remove ingredients and drink hot or cold. Makes 10-16 oz. of tea.

Variations

• If you can’t find raw turmeric, you can substitute powdered turmeric. Make sure that you purchase very high grade turmeric. It should be vibrant orange vs. yellow. Use a 1/4 tsp in the tea. This may sink to the bottom, so stir often.

• You can use all or some of the ingredients and still get a beneficial cup of tea. Used together though, you will get a full spectrum of beneficial properties.

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Thanks for stopping by! I am not a nutritionist but I am a nutrition junkie. I love looking for new recipes that help me achieve optimum health and wellness. I hope you enjoy these and if you have something to add or share, feel free to leave a comment.

TTYL