Aging gracefully with herbs and natural remedies
Aging is a natural process, but Alzheimer's disease, dementia, arthritis, osteoporosis, joint pain, insomnia, depression, prostate problems, and digestive issues plague the elderly population. Our elder years do not have to be spent like this! We can age gracefully.
Herbs help reduce signs of aging.
Herbs that build immunity and fight free radical damage can reduce the signs of aging. Pine bark extract, grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba, shiitake mushroom, reishi mushroom, astragalus, alfalfa, evening primrose, black currant, borage, echinacea, hawthorne, wheat grass, and licorice are some good ones to try.
Start with one or two different herbs at first, then move on to others as needed. With some experience, your body will start to tell you which herbs to take.
Listen to what your body tells you! Craving an herb? Take more of that. Can't stand the taste. Then don't take that herb again anytime soon, but perhaps consider it again later in life. Things change over time.
With some trial and error, you will find medicinal herbs that are suited to your symptoms and requirements. Medicinal herbs not only improve resistance to disease, they also improve organ function.
When our organs are at peak performance, our skin has a much younger appearance. It glows!
What is aging gracefully?
Living to a ripe old age while maintaining health, vitality, love of life, and a sharp mind is my definition of aging gracefully.
We all age, but we can be healthier and happier while doing so. Health in old age is important so we can enjoy retirement, and not become burdens on the younger generations.
Herbs and natural remedies can delay and protect the body from the harmful effects of time. Health in old age is possible and worth the effort, so give herbal medicine and home remedies a try.
Pain can speed up the aging process.
Older people experience a lot of joint pain which can keep them from socializing and exercising.
If you have pain, get some help. Seek out herbal remedies or see a healthcare professional. No one can age gracefully if they are suffering.
Read more about herbs that ease arthritis.
Read more about herbs for osteoporosis.
Resveratrol and aging
Some red wines, certain species of pine bark, and grape seeds contain high levels of resveratrol, one of the most powerful antioxidants that mankind has discovered so far. This substance has been shown to activate the body's longevity genes causing us to live longer.
Resveratrol helps the skin look young and smooth. When skin is glowing with good health, wrinkles and skin problems are much less noticeable. We look so much younger!
Eating foods that contain resveratrol is one of the best natural ways to fight aging. Pass the pine bark please!
Resveratrol can also be found in the skin of dark-colored berries. Eat lots of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, black currants, and bilberries to feel younger in no time. Resveratrol is also found in grape skins, peanuts, cocoa, and dark chocolate. I am so glad to hear that news, aren't you?
Read more about using blackberries as natural medicines.
Which anti-aging herbs are best?
Beginning herbalists over the age of sixty-five, should start with astragalus root tea, shiitake mushroom or reishi mushroom tinctures, alfalfa tea, and a small bottle of rose or ylang ylang essential oil. Try other herbs and oils in a few weeks as you begin to see what helps your individual symptoms.
Astragalus is my favorite immune booster.
Astragalus really helps protect us from colds, flu, and other harmful organisms. I haven't found anything better for supporting my immune system.
Read more about using astragalus as an immune booster.
One thing an elderly person does not need is an infection. Take astragalus a month before flu season starts, then stop for two weeks. Do this throughout the winter months for best results.
Echinacea is also a good herb for fighting infection and boosting immunity - so give it a try, too.
More herbs that fight aging
Elderly people should also try other herbs to slow the symptoms of aging. Try ginseng for stamina, burdock for thinning hair, rosemary for memory, bilberry for better eye sight, and cayenne-pepper ointment for joint pain.
Of course, everyone should talk with a professional herbalist or other healthcare professional before before using any herb in therapeutic amounts. This is especially important if you are taking prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, or have pre-existing conditions.
There are three main causes of aging.
- One is the passage of time.
- Second is cell damage caused by free radicals.
- Third is a reduced immune system that puts the body at risk for disease.
While there is no stopping time, medicinal herbs can help fight free radicals and help build immunity.
For the best results, people should also live a healthy lifestyle, watch their diets, get plenty of exercise, stay hydrated, socialize with friends, and get fresh air every day. We don't want to forget the importance of lifestyle.
Healthy diet reduces signs of aging.
Since the fountain of youth hasn't been discovered and we can't stop the clock, adding antioxidants to the diet is the best remedy for the symptoms of aging. Herbs, fresh fruit, and vegetables, organically grown if possible, should be consumed daily.
We really are what we eat, so stock up on fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains, and colorful fruits.
Whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and sprouts insure that the brain receives the nutrients it needs to function correctly. People need to realize that nut and seed oils contain amazing substances that can cross the blood/brain barrier easily. Good oils work to to nourish the brain.
Too bad many health care professionals advise their aging patients not to eat nuts and seeds, because of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). We especially need nuts and seeds as we age, so ask your doctor if grinding them would make a difference. If you can have peanut butter, you can have ground walnuts and pecans.
Quality nut and olive oils help us age gracefully.
Studies show that nuts, nut oils, and olive oils can help protect against Alzheimer's and dementia. If you can't eat nuts and seeds, then grind them up and add to smoothies or juice.
You can also use cold-pressed walnut, pecan, and sesame seed oils on salads and for cooking. I have even taken spoonfuls of virgin olive oil to lower my cholesterol.
Quality nut and olive oils are delicious, full of wonderful health benefits, and worth their weight in gold when it comes to anti-aging.
More than the antioxidant benefits, flax, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds also help rid the body of worms, flukes, and parasites.
Nuts, seeds, and good oils also lubricate the joints and help us move without pain or stiffness.
In the old days, priests anointed people with oil in order to bestow blessings. Oil was and still is, one of the most valuable item in the pantry!
Invest in good cooking oils, and if you want to age gracefully, never consume rancid or off-smelling oils. Cheap or old oils are not good for anyone. Put them in the trash or use them for making soap.
Anti-aging foods for health and vitality
Cultured foods including yogurt, cheese, tofu, wine, and raw sauerkraut help revive our metabolism, especially in the stomach and colon. Vegetables, greens, fruits, and grains keep things in balance so we can age gracefully. Yes, diet really is important for staying healthy as we age.
Read more about the best herbs for the colon.
Add herbs to your meals for health in old age.
When dining out, eat that little sprig of parsley that comes as decoration on the plate. It’s full of vitamins, antioxidants and also freshens the breath!
Use herbs in cooking every chance you get. Add chives, basil, garlic, turmeric, oregano, ginger, and cilantro to salads, vegetable dishes, and fruit salads.
Use infused oils and herbal vinegars when cooking for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Herbal vinegars are a natural remedy to keep us healthy as we age.
Try fennel seeds, dill seeds, and poppy seeds on breads and in soups.
Herbs and seeds not only add superb flavor to food, they also help protect and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Use culinary and medicinal ingredients daily for best results.
Sea weed and live enzymes
Sea-vegetables provide iodine and lots of live enzymes to the diet. They can easily be added to soups, and there are many kind on the market today.
Kelp and bladderwort have a salty taste. Yakama, kombu, and sea palm are sweeter. Nori and arame are slightly sour. Fish and seafood should be included in the diet to enhance metabolic processes.
Plenty of water, herbal teas, and green drinks are also recommended to keep the body's pH in balance.
Things to avoid as we age
Poultry, lean meat, butter, eggs, and dairy should be eaten in moderation. Fried food, processed lunch meat, sugar, packaged foods, fast foods, and refined foods should be avoided.
Instead of frying, saute in cold-pressed vegetable oil to reap the benefits of omegas that are found in quality oils.
Reducing unhealthy dietary fat, adding healthy oils, cutting out sugar, and limiting exposure to air pollution, toxic substances, tobacco, and rancid foods can significantly reduce free radical damage and reduce the effects of aging.
Even a little exercise makes a big difference.
Exercise is important for strengthening the immune system, while bringing oxygen to the body's cells. Exercise strengthens the muscles, nerves, blood, glands, lungs, heart, brain, lymphatic system, and mind, while lifting one's mood.
Good metabolism is optimized by exercise. A little exercise makes a big difference when one wants to age gracefully.
Staying healthy as we age
Have you heard of slow jogging? It's the newest way for seniors to keep moving.
Stretching helps regenerate aging tissue.
Stretching only takes a few minutes but can help regenerate tissue and clear the body of waste. Stretching improves circulation, energy, strength, enzyme function, and reduces stress.
Stretching makes you look younger because you move more like a young person when your body is flexible and toned. Always make time for stretching before exercising to avoid sprains and pulled muscles!
Herbs help skin retain a youthful appearance.
Skin problems like wrinkles, dryness, and age spots appear as we age. For removing prominent age spots and reducing wrinkles use lotion that contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids. Over the counter lotions can work wonders, but be sure to follow directions carefully.
Do not get carried away. Always treat skin with a gentle touch and beware of harsh substances. DIscontinue use if redness or rash appears!
Do you have age spots? Herbs can get rid of them.
One tablespoon of elder flowers or chopped parsley mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice is an old herbal recipe for banishing age spots. Add a little water if needed to form a paste. Apply the paste three times a day, leave on for five minutes, then rinse with water.
Do not use near the eyes! Repeat the process regularly for two or three months to see more beautiful, youthful-looking skin.
Read more about the healing properties of elderberries.
Skin cancers and aging skin
Skin should be checked regularly for signs of cancer at every age, but especially as we age. Changes in moles and sores that will not heal can be symptoms of skin cancer.
Be sure to look on your legs, between your toes, and in hidden spots. Ask for help and have someone look at your back.
Cancer can even attack the top of your head so have that checked, too. Read more about using herbs to protect the body from cancer and chemotherapy treatments.
Essential oils help fight wrinkles naturally.
Some essential oils work on the skin to fight the effects of aging. Frankincense, ylang-ylang, lavender, carrot seed, and rose essential oils can restore a youthful look to the skin.
Look for quality herbal ointments, herbal lotions, herbal toners, and herbal moisturizers that contain real essential oils - or make your own. Read about making your own herbal products here.
Check the ingredients of everything you put on your skin. Avoid mineral oil and artificial fragrances.
Never use essential oils straight or at full strength and never take them internally. Dilute essential oils with good carrier oils such as almond oil before using on the skin.
Skin conditioners for aging skin
Lactic acid in milk, citric acid in fruit, glycolic acid in sugar cane, and malic acid in pears and apples are other examples of hydroxy acids and are used in many skin rejuvenation remedies.
Milk baths, fruit masks, and honey lotions have been used in various cultures for thousands of years to improve the appearance and health of mature skin.
Many home remedies work better than expensive products purchased at salons and department stores. Try simple natural remedies for healthy, glowing skin.
Help for the aging brain and body
Changes in lifestyle, good diet, exercise, and consuming medicinal herbs on a daily basis can help keep the brain and body healthy through middle age and way into our senior years.
Follow some of the suggestions above and you will feel younger before the week is done. Hopefully will you have a long, healthy life full of joy and love. That is my wish for all of humanity.
Read more about treating bladder problems with natural remedies.
Read more about relieving constipation with herbs.
Read about healing the prostate with herbs.
*Some people may experience side effects such as burning, skin irritation, redness, and possible scarring from the use of alpha-hydroxy acids. Always test on a small area of the wrist before applying to the face. Alpha-hydroxy products cause sun sensitivity. Always apply sunscreen before going outside after using any alpha-hydroxy acid.
Always consult with your healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedy especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medication.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164842/
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
*Note - the information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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