Anti-Aging Herbs
Anti-aging herbs - we all want them! Aging is the natural process our bodies go through and begins to take effect as soon as we reach adulthood. You may notice wrinkles on the skin, more stiffness in the joints and grey hair. You may not feel as well as you used to, or be able to enjoy the same activities or foods. Many people develop diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease as they age. However, with a healthy lifestyle, you can retain good health well into your older years.
Symptoms
There are two types of aging; intrinsic aging, which depends on our genetic predispositions, and extrinsic aging, which depends on our environment. The symptoms from our individual genetic codes include fine wrinkles, thinning and transparent skin, itchy dry skin, hair loss, unwanted hair, thinning nail plates, hollowed cheeks and eyes and loss of firmness on the neck and hands.
Osteoporosis and reduction of muscular mass may occur & deterioration associated with brain and nervous system may impact memory functioning and psychomotor skills. Aging that occurs from our environment include damage from the sun, which causes freckles, age spots, spider veins, leathery skin and skin cancer. Facial expressions will cause lines and wrinkles. Gravity will continue to pull on our bodies and cause skin to sag.
Causes
Aging is a natural process, caused largely by wear and tear on the body, the aging of tissues and decrease in metabolic rate. Factors that make you age faster include eating processed foods high in fat and low in nutrients, spending all your time in front of the television and losing out on sleep. Consuming large amounts of alcohol and smoking speed up the aging process as well. Skin ages by being overexposed to the sun, using harsh chemicals, eating a bad diet and smoking. Stress can age you much faster than if you have an outlet to deal with it. Dwelling on the negative things that happen can also pack on the years.
Cautions
If you feel unwell or develop symptoms that concern you after taking any anti-aging herbs, consult your physician.
Herbal Treatments
Anti-aging herbs that may assist in reducing the symptoms associated with ageing.
To improve energy levels:
Internal Usage
- Gotu kola – this herb can be taken as a tea. It rejuvenates, increases concentration, aids circulation, improves the health of veins and give you extra vitality.
- Alfalfa – take alfalfa tea to boost energy levels. Alfalfa is available as tablets as well.
- Korean Ginseng – promoted as anti-aging. Can be taken in tablets or capsule form as directed.
- Rosehip – 2.0 to 2.5 grams dried rosehips infused in 1 cup boiling water. Allow to infuse for 10 minutes, strain and drink 3 to 4 cups a day.
For digestion and sleep:
Internal Usage
- Celery – this herb makes a refreshing tea that can help eyesight, lower blood pressure and can cleanse many parts of the body to make them function better like the kidneys, the blood and the bladder. Chewing a few stalks of celery at bedtime can help you get a better night's rest.
- Chamomile – drink 3 cups a day.
- Valerian Tablets – take one does an hour before going to bed.
For increased blood supply to brain:
- Ginkgo Tablets – may help with memory loss and aid cardiovascular function. ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs under scientific investigation. It can be taken as capsules, extracts and in other preparations and purchased at health food store.
External Usage
- Sage and Lemon balm (essential oils) also reported to have potential in reducing memory loss when used in a massage.
For aging skin:
Internal Usage
- Evening Primrose Oil – to reduce wrinkles and improve skin condition - take capsules as directed.
- Lemon thyme – use the leaves of this herb to make a nourishing tea that has anti-aging properties.
- Pomegranate – eating fresh pomegranate or drinking the juice gives you antioxidants that stop the damage done by free radicals in your body.
External Usage
- Avocado – the oil from this fruit is helpful for aging skin.
- Evening Primrose Oil – pierce a capsule and mix with 10 ml of carrier oil. Apply once or twice a day.
- Shea nut – the butter made from this nut moisturizes the skin and heals surface damage.
- Calendula – apply a calendula based cream as directed on the label.
- Green or Chamomile Tea – infuse 2 sachets of dried tea leaves in boiling water for 5 – 10 minutes. Cool and apply to eye area to treat bags under the eyes.
Aromatherapy Oils
Essential oils can minimize the loss of elasticity and help to rehydrate the skin. Oils that may be useful include: cypress, frankincense, jasmine, myrrh, neroli, patchouli and rosemary. Oils can be used in massage and bath in a variety of combinations. Try the following:
- Frankincense (Boswellia) – 4 drops, jasmine 3 drops, neroli 3 drops.
- Cypress 3 drops, myrrh 2 drops, rosemary 3 drops.
- Sage and Lemon balm (essential oils) also reported to have potential in reducing memory loss when used in a massage.