As we age, we notice changes in skin texture and skin firmness; we tend to get more fine lines and wrinkles. Our strength, vitality, and flexibility also tend to decrease as we get older. While using proper skin care products is important, we can also incorporate anti-aging herbs rich in antioxidant properties that will help us fight free radical damage. That way we will be able to maintain our vigor and youthful skin for much longer.
Now, let’s start with a brief reminder of the fundamentals that can help us maintain a youthful appearance from within:
- Eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables; they contain a multitude of vitamins that have been proven to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
- Include organic eggs, cheese, fish and meats into your diet; they contain fatty acids, iron, and vitamin D, which protect the skin from UV rays and helps slow down premature aging.
- Go on a daily walk; it will relax you, stimulate blood and lymph flow, and give you a youthful and glowing skin.
- Stay away from highly processed foods; they offer little nourishment and pollute your body with chemicals that will contribute to the loss of skin elasticity and many other health problems.
You can enhance your health by also incorporating a variety of anti-ageing herbs that can help you look and feel younger.
Preserve Skin Vitality with Teas
As we age, we increasingly get exposed to contaminants that will contribute to the skin damage. A good selection of antioxidant-rich herbs taken as tea can be highly beneficial in preventing the sings of aging. If you consume 2 cups of any of these each day, you can effectively help your body fight harmful free radicals and protect your skin from within.
Lemon balm (Melissa) is a relaxant and a nerve tonic with antispasmodic, carminative (helps relieve bloating), and antiviral properties. This tea has been traditionally used to calm heart palpitations and relieve anxiety. Its antiviral properties will boost your immune system and will even help in treatment of skin conditions such as cold sores.
Peppermint is antispasmodic, antimicrobial, analgesic, and carminative. This herb helps relax gut muscles and increases bile and digestive juices. As a result, the body can efficiently break down food and absorb nutrients. Caution: do not give peppermint to children under 5 years old.
Sage is a nerve tonic with antiseptic, astringent, and estrogenic properties. It also helps clear mucus. According to a study conducted in the UK, consistent consumption of sage extract notably improved memory in individuals with an average age of 73. The most effective results were observed with a moderate dosage. Additionally, sage is known to improve digestion and lower blood fat levels. Caution: do not take high doses if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if suffering from epilepsy.
Roman chamomile is sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic. This remedy proved to be very helpful for the digestive system, effectively treating nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
Echinacea is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and healing. When taken regularly, echinacea boosts the production of white blood cells and strengthens the immune system. It has been shown to be effective in treating viral and fungal infections that are often responsible for many skin disorders.
Stay Youthful with Aromatic Herbs
Aromatic herbs are rich in natural antioxidants and can be easily added to your daily meals. If you incorporate these herbs into your routine, you can naturally slow down the signs of aging. It is important to note that the list provided below is not exhaustive; many other aromatic herbs and spices offer significant anti-aging properties as well and are worth looking into.
Oregano is strongly antibacterial and antifungal. Greeks and other Europeans held oregano in high regard during medieval times. It was cultivated in many gardens due to its reputation. Today, it is mostly used to restore balance to gut flora in cases of harmful bacterial overgrowth. Caution: do not take high doses if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Rosemary is tonic, stimulant, nervine (calming to the nervous system), and antioxidant. Studies demonstrated that rosemary possesses properties that safeguard the inner linings of blood vessels. It also aids in nerve regeneration and enhances blood circulation to the head potentially contributing to memory improvement, headache relief, and even hair growth.
Thyme is an antiseptic, tonic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and antioxidant. Research indicates that thyme plays a role in preserving higher levels of essential fatty acids within the brain. It also has potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help fight H. pylori and clear lungs of mucus.
Garlic is an antifungal, antimicrobial, expectorant, and anti-diabetic. Numerous studies have shown that garlic effectively reduces blood pressure, regulates blood sugar levels, and lowers cholesterol levels, consequently diminishing the risk of blood clot formation. Additionally, garlic has anti-cancer properties.
Purslane is a green leafy vegetable. I decided to include purslane because it is a relatively lesser known, but powerful plant. Purslane has exceptionally high amounts of vitamins A, C, and E as well as a naturally occurring antioxidant – glutathione which will help boost skin cells production. Incorporating purslane into your soups or salads from time to time will help you delay the signs of aging.
Sustain Skin Health with Herbal Supplements
Some herbs offer a variety of health benefits, however, integrating them into your diet or adding them to your tea might not always be practical. Opting for these herbs in the form of supplements will provide an easy and effective solution. Make sure to buy products made exclusively with organic ingredients.
Ginkgo biloba extract is a circulatory tonic with anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, and antispasmodic properties. Ginkgo biloba enhances blood flow to the brain, and research indicates that it might help lower the effects of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Ginkgo biloba is often taken to support mental well-being.
American ginseng root extract is a tonic and helps a person tolerate different types of stress, including mental and physical stress. Native American people believed that this herb improves female fertility. Caution: do not take this supplement if pregnant.
Evening primrose oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid and gammalinoleic acid. Evidence suggests that it can effectively lower blood pressure, alleviate digestive system issues, improve skin health, and provide relief for dry eyes. Caution: do not take evening primrose oil if suffering from epilepsy.
Gotu kola extract is a tonic with sedative, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Research indicates that gotu kola has the potential to improve memory, enhance alertness, and relieve anxiety. Moreover, it has a significant ability to promote healing, including the repair of blood vessels.
Milk thistle extract is anti-allergenic and has liver-protective and anticancer properties. It contains silymarin that has been shown to help combat chemotherapy effects and protect the liver in case of toxin ingestion.
Herbs mentioned above will detoxify and nourish your body and will help you feel and look younger. I encourage you to include some of them into your routine.
If you would like to learn how to care for mature skin, please continue to read Best rejuvenating oils for mature skin and Best anti-aging home treatments.
Works Cited
Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, New York, Dk Publishing, 2016.
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy : New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World’s Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pa., Rodale Press ; [New York, N.Y, 1997.
