While aging is inevitable, aging gracefully is a choice. In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, eating wholesome foods and getting plenty of exercise, herbs can play a big role in keeping you looking and feeling your best.
Although it has taken some time, anti-aging herbs are just now being accepted by main stream medicine despite the fact that herbal healing has been around since ancient times.
Herbs slow down the aging process and help the body defend against the toxic insults that speed up the aging process. Here are three worth considering.
Ginger
Ginger is a root that has been used medicinally for over 5,000 years. It is native to India but grows in tropical regions that extend from South America to Asia. Ginger is available in a number of forms including fresh, crystallized, candied, powdered and preserved.
Ginger is a rich source of over 50 powerful antioxidants that work to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. It contains phenol compounds that help to reverse the aging process. As we age, we are exposed to oxidative stress from toxins in the environment and food we eat. This oxidative stress can hasten aging and negatively have an impact on cellular processes in the body.
Considered a wonder-herb by many, ginger goes to work neutralizing free radicals that cause damage while reversing the signs of aging. Phenol compounds within ginger protect the cells from further oxidative stress damage.
Including fresh ginger or a high-quality ginger supplement in your diet will strengthen your immune system and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanism. Ginger will defend your skin against stresses in the environment such as air pollution, cigarette smoke and harmful ultraviolet rays which can cause wrinkles, age spots, fine lines and brown spots. In addition, ginger can improve both the quality and elasticity of the skin which prevents lines under the eyes.
For best results, take no more than 3000 mg of ginger in fresh or grated form. One teaspoon of ginger divided into 3 cups of tea will provide optimum age-defying effects.
Turmeric
Turmeric is derived from the underground stems for the Curcuma longa plant which is a member of the ginger family. It is the spice that gives Indian curry and mustard its vibrant color.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba in Japan conducted three different studies and found that turmeric may be as effective as moderate exercise in preventing aging and improving heart health. This Indian spice is well known for its culinary flare and is gaining the attention of western medical experts because of its amazing health properties.
Duke University reviewed over 700 studies on what is being called the “wonder yellow spice,” and found it to out perform many top pharmaceuticals in treating several chronic and debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis and cancer mostly due to its curcumin content.
The strong anti-inflammatory properties along with iron, manganese, B6 and potassium help ward off signs and symptoms of aging while protecting the body from free radical damage.
In addition to using turmeric freely in cooking, it is suggested that 400 to 600 mg of a high quality supplement be taken daily for maximum age halting effectiveness.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a well respected and deliciously fragrant anti-aging herb that has a long list of both medicinal as well as culinary uses. The health benefits of rosemary are well known, and it has been used for thousands of years and across many cultures.
The Greeks and Romans adored rosemary for its many health benefits and the natural healing powers of this easy-to-grow small shrub are being re-discovered today all over America.
Rosemary improves memory, elevates moods and helps fight off migraine headaches. It is also a popular herbal treatment for relief of sore muscles and joint pain when applied topically. Other noted health benefits of rosemary include using it as a breath freshener, to improves circulation and eases digestive distress.
This fragrant woody herb contains two strong anti-inflammatories, carnoscic acid and carnosol. In one study, it was found that these to compounds kept inflammation and pain at bay while reducing the formation of nitric oxide, a precursor to inflammation.
Rosemary is rich in minerals including iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and manganese. It also contains vitamins A, B and C. Its powerful antioxidants keep tissue safe from damage and prevent age related memory impairment.
Often used in creams or the skin, rosemary is well known for its rejuvenation ability. It can help diminish the appearance of capillaries in the skin making your face look more vibrant and subtle.
Drinking rosemary tea is a great way to benefit from all of its healing properties while fresh rosemary added to soups, stews, breads adds flavor while promoting health.
Note: If you have high blood pressure or suffer from epilepsy you should speak to your physician before using rosemary.
Sources for this article include:
- www.slowagingblog.com/prevention/health-benefits-ginger
- www.endalldisease.com/turmeric-equally-effective-as-exercise-at-slowing-aging-protecting-the-heart/
- www.undergroundhealth.com/top-12-anti-aging-herbs/
- www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03001/Three-Reasons-to-Eat-Turmeric.html
- rosemary.healthfoodexplanations.com/rosemary-herb-how-it-benefits-health/
