In the competitive world of athletics, the pursuit of peak performance and rapid recovery often drives athletes to explore a wide range of therapeutic options. Among these, herbal interventions have garnered significant and growing interest, emerging as a prominent area of both use and scientific inquiry within the field of sports medicine. The paper is an attempt to analyse the use of medicinal plants for enhancing athletic performance, accelerating recovery and managing common sports-related injuries. The appeal of these natural products often lies in their perceived safety profile, historical use and potential as adjunctive or alternative therapies to conventional pharmacological agents, which may be associated with undesirable side effects or regulatory restrictions. The scope of herbal applications in sports is broad, targeting several key physiological domains. A primary focus is on the reduction of exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Herbs such as turmeric (Curcuma longa), with its active component curcumin, and ginger (Zingiber officinale) have been extensively studied for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The potential of various herbals/products to modulate inflammation, alleviate muscle cramps/pain, recovery from soft tissue injuries and speeding the repair process are well established. Beyond recovery, numerous herbs are purported to directly enhance physical performance and endurance. However, a thorough understanding of herb-drug interactions and rigorous attention to product quality is paramount for sports medicine practitioners and athletes considering these natural products as part of a comprehensive and safe training and recovery regimen.