Sports Injuries
On this page we have compiled what we believe are our best products for the relief of sporting and exercise related injuries. Whether it be a bad football tackle or overdoing it in the gym; we have natural pain control plus essential vitamins and minerals for rebuilding damaged tissue in almost any injury situation.
Please click to view the warnings and notes listed under some items.
All supplements are taken at your own risk. Supplement information is not intended in any way as a prescription or diagnosis, and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or other suitably qualified health professional. If you have a medical condition, or think you may have, please seek medical advice.
Bromelain
This important extract is made from pineapple. It contains compounds called proteolytic enzymes, which break down certain proteins, notably after injury, surgery, or scarring.
Bromelain is helpful in healing injuries, particularly sprains and strains, bruising, muscle injuries, and the pain, swelling, and tenderness that accompany sports injuries. Research has also found that Bromelain can dramatically reduce postoperative swelling. Much of bromelain’s anti-swelling effect is due to activating compounds that break down fibrin. (After an injury, fibrin forms a matrix that walls off the area of inflammation, resulting in blockage of blood vessels, inadequate tissue drainage, and swelling.)
Bromelain may be useful for: bruising; pain relief; carpal tunnel syndrome; tendonitis; bursitis; other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or gout.
The fibrinolytic effects of bromelain prove beneficial in treating varicose veins and other circulatory disorders involving inflammation. Bromelain is useful as a digestive enzyme, taken shortly before meals. For other purposes, it is best taken away from food.
Warnings: A1, TT1
Bromelain may increase the absorption of drugs, particularly antibiotics. This could offer both risks and benefits.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
One of the most popular health supplements of all, Glucosamine is a building-block for all muscles, tendons, joints, cartilage, skin, and even bone health. It also stimulates the production of synovial fluid in joints. It is anti-inflammatory, and may reduce pain. While our bodies make some Glucosamine, we may choose to take more if there is extra wear and tear, injury, or as we get older. Glucosamine can help maintain the cushioning in joints that are used heavily, and so it may benefit sports people, bodybuilders, and those whose jobs involve physical work.
Research shows that for sports injuries, glucosamine provides some pain relief and improved function in those taking 2000mg daily for 12 weeks. Glucosamine has been extensively researched for osteoarthritis.
Most Glucosamine is derived from shellfish, but the vegetarian variety is derived from algae or maize, is more active, and may be better absorbed.
Chondroitin improves cartilage structure, holds in water and nutrients, and supports blood vessels. It helps cushion joints and increases the movement of nutrients for healing. Chondroitin comes from animal cartilage, either bovine or marine. Both Glucosamine and Chondroitin are important sources of Sulphur, necessary for the body to maintain any kind of connective tissue.
MSM is a mineral, an organic form of Sulphur. It may be added to improve the Sulphur content of cartilage. MSM also helps maintain skin collagen and elasticity.
Vitamin C may be added to aid absorption.
We make sure that none of our Glucosamine products contain Sodium, which would contribute to high blood pressure.
Warnings: E1, D2
- Viridian Glucosamine with Chondroitin
300mg each Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondroitin Sulphate, with vitamin C - Viridian Glucosamine MSM complex
700mg vegan Glucosamine with 125mg MSM
Viridian Joint Complex (Vegan)
A combination of herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, this product offers the ultimate in joint support, both for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and for sports enthusiasts. The source of the glucosamine is an algae, more readily absorbed than animal formulations, and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Joint Complex contains Boswellia, Bromelain, Ginger, Quercetin, and Turmeric, all natural anti-inflammatories to bring down pain and swelling, and help the body remove the debris caused by injuries. These herbs help stabilize the connective tissue which supports joints.
The Joint complex also contains:
Vitamin C, to support connective tissue (collagen) and reduce the risk of cartilage loss.
Proline, an amino acid involved in manufacture of new connective tissue/cartilage.
Manganese, a mineral essential for us to produce the anti-oxidant Super Oxide Dismutase.
SOD helps reduce the stiffness, inflammation, soreness and lack of motivation that are a ‘hangover’ from free radicals produced during strenuous exercise.
Warnings: A1, R1. Otherwise, none at recommended doses, but see individual ingredients.
L-Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid important for muscle tissue maintenance, helping to prevent muscle wasting and breakdown. It helps reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Stressful exercise, such as heavy-resistance weight training, results in the body losing large amounts of glutamine. Naturally found in proteins of all kinds, it is sometimes added to bodybuilding protein powders. Adequate glutamine improves protein metabolism, also benefits gut health and the immune system.
L-Glutamine is the technical term for Glutamine.
Warnings: D2, F2, LL1
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut is best known as a remedy for varicose veins and haemorrhoids, but it is also useful for injuries with swelling. Research shows that the active principle, Aescin, reduces the localised swelling associated with injury and inflammation. It acts by reducing capillary permeability to water, thus reducing the ‘leakiness’ of blood vessels leading to water retention. The use of horse chestnut in reducing swelling is equivalent to that achieved by compression stockings – and more comfortable!
Horse Chestnut ointment can be applied locally as long as skin is not broken. It also contains Burdock, another anti-inflammatory, Marigold and Rosemary, both antiseptic and wound-healing herbs, and Lavender. The ointment base is beeswax and sunflower oil.
Warnings: D2
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant compound rich in foods such as onions, broccoli, kale, cherries and apples. It is a strong natural anti-inflammatory. It works by de-activating enzymes that produce inflammation, and it may help stabilize collagen (connective tissue).
Quercetin Complex also contains vitamin B5, bromelain and vitamin C. B5 helps energy and supports the adrenal glands when we are under stress. Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory (see above). Vitamin C is anti-oxidant and protects muscles from the high levels of free radicals that develop during strenuous exercise. Free radicals damage muscle and lead to inflammation, soreness and poor muscle recovery.
Quercetin is also used to treat allergies.
Warnings: YY1
Vitamin C
Anti-oxidants like Vitamins C and E protect muscles from the high levels of free radicals that develop during strenuous exercise. Free radicals damage muscle and lead to inflammation, soreness and poor muscle recovery. Exercising in smoky or polluted environments also increases exposure to free radicals. Vitamin C is of course necessary for many other processes in the body.
Warnings: none
- Viridian Ester C 550mg Vege Caps
An easily-absorbed and low-acid formulation. Less is needed than conventional vitamin C. - Viridian Organic Acerola Vitamin C 50gm Vege Caps
Contains naturally occurring vit. C and bioflavonoids, dissolves easily, great for children too, quarter teaspoon provides 180mg vit. C
Vitamin E
Anti-oxidants like Vitamins C and E protect muscles from the high levels of free radicals that develop during strenuous exercise. Free radicals damage muscle and lead to inflammation, soreness and poor muscle recovery. Exercising in smoky or polluted environments also increases exposure to free radicals.
Vitamin E also protects LDL cholesterol from oxidising, reduces damage to arteries including coronary arteries, and helps protect against heart disease and stroke. Vitamin E works best in combination with vitamin C. If you are new to vitamin E, we recommend starting at 100iu. increasing if necessary after a month. Vitamin E in its natural form is called d-alpha tocopherol.
Warnings: A1, TT1
Jason Organic Vitamin E Oil for external application:
Comes with 7 exotic oils, nourishes, protects and increases suppleness. Natural essential oils of Black Currant, Evening Primrose, Macadamia Nut and Borage help to reduce inflammation, prevent dryness and maintain healthy skin cells.
Percutane
Percutane is a unique creme for assistance with pain relief and injuries. The cream provides temporary relief from most muscular injuries, including sports injuries and pain conditions. For training and competing, or working in cold conditions, Percutane is also ideal for warming up stiff muscles or for assisting recovery after a hard session.
Percutane contains both anti-inflammatory and liniment ingredients. Aqualane, a natural marine extract, unique to this product, assists natural actives such as Arnica, Hypericum, Capsaicin, and Burdock to be absorbed through the skin and to work directly on damaged or sore areas.
Over the years some of our finest sports men and women have benefited from using Percutane, including All Blacks Michael Jones and Eroni Clarke, New Zealand cross country champion Dale Warrander, and legendary Kenyan and former world champion marathoner Douglas Wakiihuri.
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