Rejuvenation is an attempt to revitalize the body's energy and prolong life. Indian Ayurvedic medicine, one of the oldest systems in the world, has a special branch called rasayana, which is dedicated to health, rejuvenation and longevity. Rasayana herbs are not organ specific, but strengthen all bodily tissues. They enhance the immune system, memory, intelligence, youthfulness and physical abilities. In India, these herbs are used daily as tonics by people of all ages. Rasayana herbs may make effective home remedies for rejuvenation. It is important to consult an herbalist, Ayurvedic practitioner or other health care professional before beginning herbal therapy.
Guduchi
Guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, is a perennial woody vine, also known as heartleaf moonseed, that is native to India. As an Ayurvedic rejuvenating herb, it is used as a general tonic, and to treat a range of disorders, including rheumatism, diabetes, fever, anemia, diarrhea and cancer. It also acts as a cleanser, removing toxins from the body. Active ingredients include glycosides, plant sterols, lactones, polysaccharides, alkaloids and fatty acids, and the plant has liver protective, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. FlowersofIndia.net reports that the herb is called heavenly elixir by local people because it "kept the angels eternally young." A study by N. N. Rege and colleagues published in the June 1999 issue of Phytotherapy Research found that guduchi stimulates the immune system, protects against stress and infection, and promotes the regeneration of damaged liver tissue. Further studies are needed to confirm the traditional use of guduchi as a rejuvenating herb.
Shatavari
Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosus, is a spiny shrub also known as wild asparagus. The roots are used as an aphrodisiac, fertility herb and galactogogue, to increase milk flow in nursing mothers. Shatavari is a rejuvenating tonic for women, but is also used to treat diseases like arthritis, cough, female reproductive disorders, diarrhea, fever and piles. A study by M. Gautam and coworkers published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested a shatavari root extract for its effects on the immune system. The study found that the extract stimulated T-cell response, which is responsible for cell-mediated immunity and antibody production. This study demonstrates the immunostimulant effects of shatavari. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and test the herb on humans.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is also called Indian ginseng because of its ability to decrease stress. It's a small perennial shrub with red berries enclosed in a papery protective casing. Ayurvedic healers consider ashwagandha to be a rejuvenating herb and use all parts of the plant to treat a wide range of disorders, including senility, infertility, nervous disorders, chronic fatigue, rheumatism, high blood pressure, memory loss hemorrhoids and wounds. The plant contains potent steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins, and has sedative, antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Ashwagandha's rejuvenating action is due in part to its effects on the central nervous system. The steroids known as withanolides have anxiolitic and antidepressant actions. A report by M. H. Mirjalili and colleagues published in the journal Molecules states that ashwagandha is used to treat senile dementia, and as part of a general energy tonic known as Medharasayana, which means "that which promotes learning and a good memory." They also state that the antioxidant action of the herb increases the free-radical scavenging enzymes in rat brain frontal cortex and striatum, giving protection to nerve tissue. Clinical studies are needed to test the traditional use of ashwagandha as a rejuvenating herb.
References
- Flowers of India
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Adaptogenic properties of six rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine; Rege NN, Thatte UM, Dahanukar SA; June 1999
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Immunomodulatory activity of Asparagus racemosus on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity: implications for immunoadjuvant potential; Gautam M, Saha S, Bani S, Kaul A, Mishra S, Patil D, Satti NK, Suri KA, Gairola S, Suresh K, Jadhav S, Qazi GN, Patwardhan B; January 2009
- "Molecules"; Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine; Mirjalili MH, Moyano E, Bonfill M, Cusido RM, Palazón J; July 2009
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