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| Introduction |
| If you are like me, you're philosophically in agreement with the idea of taking a vitamin supplement as ''insurance" against an inadequate diet, stress, increased energy demands and to help fight free radicals. Recently, however, there has been an increased use of herbal combinations in many sports nutritional products. These nutritionals claim to improve energy levels, alleviate the symptoms of fatigue, increase muscle mass, and aid in recovery. |
| You may see energy bars containing ginseng and guarana, supplements that not only contain vitamins and minerals but such ingredients as schisandra, gotu kola and passion flower. You may use a "performance optimizer," "meal-replacement powders" or "engineered foods," such as MetRX TM and Ultimate Orange TM, that contain not only carbos and aminos but some may contain ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, guarana or other herbal products. You drink teas that contain green tea and licorice. |
| The array of unfamiliar herbal ingredients is bound to be intimidating. Welcome to the new terra incognitothe mysterious world of herbal energizing dietary supplements. Our years of reliance on traditional sports nutrition and practices have left us somewhat at loss when trying to determine if herbal products help improve performance and help maintain general good health. In addition, since herbal products fall under the scrutiny of the Food and Drug Administration as dietary supplements, no health claims can be made for these products. Because of this, manufacturers have a hard time informing you of herbal health and performance benefits. |
| For simplicity, in this booklet we will consider a broad definition of herbs as being medicinal plants. Herbs can be woody |
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