What a gift it is, to be able to grow old!
Often with advancing age, comes increased amount of health concerns and health issues we need to tend to. According to the World Health Organisation, the 5 factors in the healthy ageing concept are across five domains, namely: to meet their basic needs, make decisions, be mobile, build and maintain relationships and contribute to society.
Naturopathically, we want to consider your mental-emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and physically manage your circulation, cardiovascular health, mitigate oxidative stress, manage any sources of inflammation, support cognition and memory, and ensure healthy digestive function (and anything else specific to you!).
Did you know? During the aging process, there is a decline in ATP (cellular energy) production and elevated reactive oxidative species (ROS) production, together with a decline in the antioxidant defense? Elevated ROS levels can cause oxidative stress and severe damage to the cell, organelle membranes, DNA, lipids, and proteins. This damage contributes to the aging phenotype. Fortunately, there are many ways naturopaths can help with healthy ageing.
One of our most powerful tools is through herbal medicine support. We have a vast array of herbs that when combined with diet and lifestyle approaches can really put some pep in your step and provide fabulous support for those of mature or advanced age. Remember, age is just a number!
Here are some of my favorite herbs to support healthy aging:
Ginkgo biloba
- A cognition enhancer, vascular protectant
- Supports the integrity of veins
- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cell protective
- Inhibits clotting
- Indicated for prevention of cognitive decline, dementia
- In Germany, pharmaceuticals containing G. biloba essence are approved for therapy of peripheral arterial disease, tinnitus, vertigo, and dementia-related syndrome
- Very safe and effective herb
St Mary’s Thistle
- Excellent and potent antioxidant capacity
- Provides liver and digestive support
- Reduces the effect of oxidative damage, slowing systemic aging effects
Korean Ginseng
- Revered general tonic for men and women
- Treats weakness, loss of stamina, diminished concentration, poor memory, menopausal hot flushes
- Revitalizing, used for centuries as an invigorating herb
- Shown to prevent aging of skin
- Protective for the heart and liver
- Can reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Vitis Vinifera
- Highly potent antioxidant
- Supports veins (poor circulation, varicose veins, cellulitis, capillary fragility, connective tissue issues)
- Massive support for diabetic retinopathy
- Contains resveratrol with protective effects against aging disorders
Bacopa
- Classified in Ayurveda as improving memory and intellect
- Shown to reduce anxiety, be neuroprotective
- Can increase cognition and mood
- Supports convalescence and fatigue
- Well-researched, safe, can improve quality of life
Boswellia (Frankincense)
- Offers anti-inflammatory joint support for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Can reduce pain and inflammation
- Gently stimulates circulation
- Burning the resin has antidepressant-like psychoactive effects
Garlic
- Potent antioxidant and cardiovascular protectant
- Helps prevent atherosclerosis
- Treats elevated blood lipid levels
- Reduces platelet aggregation and improves blood flow
- Lowers blood lipids and pressure
- Antimicrobial effects
These herbs can help us age gracefully with ease and joy!
Getting older is inevitable but there are so many ways we can do it gracefully, with ease and a sense of joy from taking control of our own health and preventing any age-related potential conditions. If you are seeking support for aging, or perhaps one or some of these herbs sound appealing to you (no matter what your age is!) you might want to get in touch and book an appointment!