Anti-Aging Herbs: Natures Youth Workers

by Deborah English — December 11, 2007

What we really want is some kind of "quick-fix-elixir-of-youth" potion, with instructions: "Take 1tsp three times daily and eternal youth will be yours." Oh, if only! The fact is it takes knowledge and a deep commitment to living a life which naturally supports health and youthful looks.

However, it's really not so difficult. You can maintain your good health by eating foods that accomplish the following goals:

• Stimulate blood circulation and boost cardiovascular health.
• Strengthen your body's ability to eliminate toxins.
• Boost your body's immune system.
• Facilitate greater nutrient absorption from food.
• Lift your spirits; alleviating mental and physical stress.

Mother Nature has a bounty of natural ingredients that we can use to achieve these goals. She offers us powerful anti-ageing herbs that not only keep us looking good on the outside but also healthy on the inside. Following are ten of her best:

Echinacea--Echinacea really does help to boost your immune system. It may also protect you against auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Ginkgo Biloba--Well-known as "the brain herb," this ingredient improves your memory and concentration. Ginkgo Biloba is connected to a lowered incidence of Alzheimer's disease.
Turmeric--Okay, it's a spice, but anyhow, turmeric is packed full of cancer-protecting phytochemicals and powerful antioxidants.
Hawthorn--Marvelous for heart health, Hawthorn has been used by herbalists for more than a century.
Bilberry--Closely related to blueberries; research shows that bilberry helps prevent retina regeneration.
Chinese Ginseng--The rumors are true. Ginseng really does promote health and longevity. Recent studies show that it can also lower incidences of cervix, bladder, and thyroid cancers.
Green Tea--Three to four cups of green tea a day keep the doctor away. Green tea is a super-antioxidant, helping to protect you against many common cancers.
Schisandra--Available from good health food stores, this Chinese herb is believed to assist the liver to rid our bodies of harmful toxins.
Grape Seed--Surprise, surprise; grape-seed extract contains the same plant chemicals found in red wine. They're called OPCs (oligomeric procyanidins) and consuming them keeps your blood vessels healthy.
Garlic--Eat it or take it in capsule form. Garlic lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, and keeps you looking good.

For optimum results; see your naturopath or herbalist for tailor-made instructions about taking these powerful youth-building gifts from nature.