Aging is an inexorable natural process, yet you can slow its progress by eating healthy food or using herbs like ginseng, ashwagandha, and resveratrol to reverse its effects.
Many herbs fall under the category of adaptogens. These medicines help the body adapt to stressors and restore equilibrium within.
1. Ginseng
Ginseng is a nutritional powerhouse known for reducing signs of aging by protecting brain tissue, strengthening immunity systems and helping you remain active. Ginseng supplements have long been used as adaptogens, which means they help users cope with stress. Furthermore, research shows it increases energy levels while protecting against chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes.
Ginseng’s anti-aging benefits can be attributed to several compounds found within it, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and ginsenosides. These act as antioxidants and protect against the damaging effects of oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals; additionally they have also been proven to promote metabolic enhancement and cell regeneration.
Ginseng can combat aging in another way by increasing collagen formation, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, ginseng provides antioxidants which boost blood circulation for healthier skin and hair and a youthful complexion.
Ginseng can also help improve circulation, offering men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) an edge. Poor circulation is often the source of this condition and should be addressed with regular exercise and eating balanced diet. Ginseng provides essential niacin which supports maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Ginseng may also help improve cognitive function and halt Alzheimer’s disease by strengthening neurotransmission between brain areas; improving monoaminergic, cholinergic and dopaminergic transmission; as well as decreasing cell apoptosis which is typically linked to Alzheimer’s. According to research findings, Ginseng can enhance monoaminergic transmission between regions; this helps improve monoaminergic, cholinergic and dopaminergic signals across brain regions as well as decrease cell death associated with Alzheimer’s.
But be wary when purchasing ginseng supplements because some manufacturers can add unnecessary chemicals. To get the best results, look for organic ginseng grown under controlled environments. Choose brands which have been independently verified for potency and purity testing as well as those without sulfur dioxide preservation as it can cause allergic reactions in some people. Before trying any herbal supplement, consult a licensed herbal practitioner first.
2. Cordyceps
Cordyceps, often referred to as the “zombie fungus,” helps improve stamina, metabolism and energy. Furthermore, it has the power to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels while acting as an adaptogen and powerful anti-ageing herb by decreasing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Cordyceps contains numerous bioactive compounds, such as b-glucans, cordycepin, and adenosine, that have numerous health benefits. These substances may help increase sirtuin and other signaling pathway production for increased vitality, reduced cell damage, longer lifespan, increased life span. Cordyceps may even help protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels; more research needs to be completed in this regard.
Cordyceps helps reverse aging by increasing your body’s oxygen uptake, helping you perform better in high-intensity exercises and increasing VO2 max. Furthermore, cordyceps has been shown to decrease inflammation while simultaneously increasing immunity responses.
One study reported that combining Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract and Rhodiola crenulata significantly enhanced aerobic performance during altitude training. Researchers discovered that the extract significantly increased cellular respiration and protein production, likely as a result of multiple factors including increased ATP and ROS scavenging activities.
Studies on Cordyceps reveal its potent antioxidant properties and increase of NAD+ production, helping prevent premature aging by protecting against DNA damage, decreasing oxidative stress levels, and stimulating new cell growth.
Cordyceps is a non-toxic supplement and should only be taken by healthy adults in appropriate quantities. Before beginning treatment with Cordyceps supplements, however, it is advisable to speak to your healthcare provider as Cordyceps may interact with certain medications or cause adverse side effects in people who already have health conditions or medications that affect blood pressure levels.
Cordyceps appears to be safe and well tolerated by most individuals; however, further research needs to be completed before conclusive conclusions can be drawn. Cordyceps may not be recommended for those with compromised immune systems or pregnant or breastfeeding women; also unknown is whether Cordyceps can help those living with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus; those suffering liver issues should avoid it while Cordyceps may interact with various herbs, supplements and drugs; further research needs to be completed before making definitive recommendations regarding safety or potential interactions.
3. Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea (commonly known by its common name “rhodiola”) has long been used in Russia and Scandinavian countries to increase the body’s resistance to physical and psychological stress, improve mood and decrease depression. Furthermore, rhodiola serves as both mood enhancer and antidepressant medication. Rhodiola contains several active compounds, such as rosavins and salidrosides, thought to possess antioxidant properties to defend against oxidative damage to the body and help foster mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, Rhodiola may improve athletic performance. Animal and human studies demonstrate the benefits of Rhodiola for relieving mental fatigue, increasing strength, power, and endurance. Rhodiola may also help recover faster from exercise-induced fatigue as well as increase production of beta-endorphin, a chemical found within our bodies that helps alleviate stress and tension.
Rhodinoids, the main active constituents found in rhodiola, may help adapt to stress and promote mental and emotional stability. One study demonstrated its efficacy by improving mice’s long-distance running ability while simultaneously decreasing cortisol levels and increasing production of an enzyme that regulates stress hormones called Cyp3A4. Additional research indicates salidroside can kill cancer cells such as those found in glioblastoma, colorectal, lung cancer cell lines; additionally it may help increase oxygen uptake during aerobic exercise while simultaneously decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.
However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Rhodiola shows only limited evidence for its purported health benefits. For instance, it does not appear to alter oxygen uptake or muscle performance for people who engage in intensive physical activity, nor improve immune systems in marathon runners. Furthermore, Rhodiola appears to have little impact on insulin or glucose levels among diabetics.
Rhodiola should only be taken for short-term use and in conjunction with other herbs and supplements proven safe in studies. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding women, those taking medications to treat depression or diabetes as well as medications to lower blood pressure or thin the blood should avoid taking Rhodiola; similarly those taking anti-autoimmune drugs or suppressing immune systems for autoimmune disorders should also avoid it.
4. Angelica Acutiloba
Angelica acutiloba (Dang Gui), is an herb from the umbelliferous family commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to reverse signs of aging by reducing inflammation and increasing energy levels, as well as protecting against brain injury and stress relief. Furthermore, this treatment may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Dang Gui is a plant commonly found throughout Asia. Growing to about 0.3-1 meters in height and featuring upright stems with glabrous surfaces. Its leaves usually feature one to three pinnatifid pinnae with deep green colors; other names for it include American angelica, fen-shaoyao san, dang gui-shaoyao san and qing gan zi shen Tang ().
Traditional medical practitioners have used the root of this plant in traditional medicine to treat heartburn, intestinal gas, loss of appetite and arthritis. It may also treat circulation problems, runny nose and nervousness; people also use it to increase urine production and enhance sexual drive as well as treat sexual problems in men or treat premature ejaculation; it works in this case by raising threshold vibrations received by the penis.
An extract of root was tested for its insecticidal activity against Drosophila melanogaster and found to possess high activity against all strains tested, both sensitive and resistant strains alike. Multiple active components were isolated from this extract such as (Z)-butylidene phthalide 228 and isopimpinellin 239. Furthermore, Tanshinol inhibits Acetylcholinesterase activity while showing strong insecticidal properties against Drosophila melanogaster.
There isn’t enough data available to judge how effective this herb is for various applications. While it should be safe when consumed in food amounts, its medicinal use raises some concerns; pregnancy or breast-feeding women shouldn’t take it, as it might cause uterine contractions; there could also be interactions with certain medications; therefore it’s wise to consult your physician prior to trying this herb for any purpose; additionally be sure to use sunblock when outdoors as this could increase sunlight sensitivity.
