As you get older, the skin around your mouth may begin to sag a little. This is a natural sign of aging; skin becomes less firm over the years, leading to wrinkles and sags. Over-the-counter anti-aging creams can be used to firm up sagging skin, and procedures such as Botox are available as well. Research on the use of herbs to prevent the signs of aging is inconclusive, but some people rely on certain herbs to keep their skin looking young. Exercise caution when using these herbs.
Chinese Herbs
Many Chinese herbs have been long thought to have health and wellness benefits. Albert Y. Leung, writing for the book "Advances in New Crops," recommends several herbs with anti-aging properties. The most recognizable one is ginseng; the chemical components of this herb, called ginsenosides, are said to prevent skin irritation, inflammation and disease. Other Chinese herbs used to prevent the signs of aging include schisandra chinensis fruit, lingzhi, fuzi, epimedium herb, heshouwu, danggui, baizhu and luobuma. Use caution when trying Chinese herbs.
Chyavanprash Herbs
According to an article in "Yoga Journal," a food called chyavanprash is an anti-aging and anti-stress tonic that maintains youth and optimal health. Chyavanprash is consumed by those who practice Ayurveda, a dietary and medicinal lifestyle that emphasizes moderation and balance in the body.
Chyavanprash is actually a mixture of several foods and many herbs; it includes common herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, sandalwood, turmeric, cloves and saffron, as well as lesser-known Indian herbs like amalaki, ashwaganda, shatavari, bala, gudduchi and gokshura. If you can't find chyavanprash or all of the ingredients to make it, you can use some of the herbs it contains in cooking or teas to get anti-aging benefits. Use caution when trying Chyavanprash herbs.
Wolfberry
A 2008 article in "Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology" touts the anti-aging benefits of the herb wolfberry. Also called L. barbarum or Fructus Lycii, wolfberry nourishes your liver and kidneys and reduces stress on your cells, which can lead to healthier skin. Use caution when trying wolfberry.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, also called wild Mexican yam, colic root, rheumatism root, Chinese yam or shan yao, can be used to smooth wrinkles, according to the American Cancer Society. Creams and supplements containing wild yam are available in health food stores. If you have any hormonal problems, be careful when using wild yam, as it may contain compounds that have similar effects to those of estrogen. Use caution in general when trying wild yam.
Member Comments