How gracefully you age will depend upon environmental, genetic and nutritional factors, and is not dependent upon your chronological age. Eating a nutritious diet with the proper balance of vitamins and minerals, regular physical activity, reducing alcohol intake and smoking, and management of stress will lower your risk of disease and early death. Use of healing herbs can provide you with a weapon against signs of aging, preserving youthful functionality in each of the body's main systems.
Cardiovascular Changes
Hardening of the arteries and arterial blockages can result in reduced blood flow to vital organs, high blood pressure and strokes. Ginkgo biloba strengthens the walls of superficial blood vessels, which improves their ability to dilate and increases blood flow. Hawthorne berry is a widely used antioxidant herb for improved heart function. Hawthorne relaxes and dilates blood vessels, and is reported to prevent and/or reduce degeneration of blood vessels due to arthrosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The herbs Coleus forskohlii and rauvolfia have both been used to treat angina, congestive heart failure and hypertension as they lower blood pressure while improving heart function.
Gray Hair and Wrinkles
After the age of about 30, skin elasticity and resiliency begins to decrease. Though gray hair and wrinkles are seen as some of the inevitable signs of aging, a Chinese herb called fo-ti (or ho shou wu as it is called in China), has long been considered to be a longevity herb with the ability to turn gray hair black again and arrest premature aging. Calendula and comfrey have been attributed with having skin-softening properties. Cypress oil has a skin-tightening effect and is also attributed with pore-reducing properties. Aloe vera improves skin by removing dead cells, tightening skin and simulating the growth of new skin cells which result in a younger-looking complexion.
Premature Aging Caused by Stress
Stress is usually accompanied by a racing heart, tense muscles, elevated blood pressure and faster breathing. Normally the body returns to normal after the stressful incident is over. However, prolonged or chronic stress can result in high blood pressure, digestive upset, depression, high cholesterol levels, a weakened immune system, and trouble sleeping---all of which may prematurely age your body. Gotu kola (an Indian medicinal herb) reduces anxiety and relaxes the nervous system, as does valerian root. Passion flower is a natural herbal sedative that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Skullcap, catnip, chamomile and Kava Kava relax the body, reduce anxiety, relieve stress and help you achieve deeper, more rejuvenating sleep.
Reduced Sexual Response
The hormones estrogen and testosterone play crucial roles in the sexual response of both males and females. Men may experience delayed erection response and less firmness around age 60. Estrogen production begins to slow down as women approach menopause (the cessation of menstruation), resulting in reduced vaginal lubrication and emotional changes. Black cohosh, Vitex and dong quai are all purported to have properties that buoy estrogen levels. Testosterone is also important for women, as it is responsible for female, as well as male, sexual arousal. Researchers at the San Francisco Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality improved the libido and performance of men given a combination of fresh oats, nettle leaves and seaweed in just two months. For centuries Chinese herbalists have prescribed Ginseng to improve stamina, virility and overall longevity in both men and women.
Warning
Herbal treatments from plants rarely have side effects when used as directed and at recommended dosages. Always use the highest quality products from well-known manufacturers, choosing organic herbs if possible. Just as with prescription medications, more is not better and if taken in large doses, herbs can cause serious illness. Before beginning any herbal treatment program, consult your doctor or a knowledgeable herbalist.
Member Comments