How to Make a Post Workout Herbal Drink

When I first started running, I was sore all the time. Even now, I tend to go through long periods of time when I am not exercising as much as usual. When I get back into it, the soreness I feel is almost as bad as it was back then.

I've learned that there are a few things that can help minimize this pain-extra sleep, stretching, the proper warm up, and consuming the right foods and beverages afterwards can make a huge difference in how sore you feel and how quickly the muscles heal.

In terms of food, the best thing to eat is a small meal or snack with some carbohydrates and protein. In terms of beverages, I like to drink a special iced herbal tea blend that I sweeten with honey. It's a blend I created myself based on my cravings and what I know about the plants.

Stinging nettle and oatstraw are the two main herbs. I've included them because they actually help heal the connective tissues that are damaged during exercise. Green tea is added as an energizer, and the honey is there because it contains some carbohydrates and adds a sweetness that I seem to crave after exercise.

I mainly drink this after intense cardio sessions, such as when I run. But, you can drink it after whichever workout you want to do.

Instructions

1

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and turn off the heat. Add the stinging nettle and oatstraw directly to the saucepan and cover it. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Add the honey, then the green tea, and let it sit until the tea is lukewarm.

2

Once the tea has cooled considerably, strain it and then add ice cubes (about eight) to a large pitcher and pour the tea over it. If you aren't drinking the tea right away, skip this step and just strain it into an airtight container.

3

The ideal time to drink this tea is right after a workout, so your best bet is to make it in advance.

4

If you don't have stinging nettle or oatstraw, you can substitute them with chamomile flowers and alfalfa. However, I think that it is worth your while to find stinging nettle or oatstraw. You can find it at some health food stores and herbal shops or you can order it online.