When used as part of a healthy lifestyle, herbal therapies can enhance longevity, strengthen the body’s immune response, and improve mental function. Increased age does not have to mean increased disease. Common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity and autoimmune disorders may be averted altogether when a habitual, holisitic herbal regime is incorporated into one’s daily life.
The herbal practitioner customizes therapy for each individual patient, based on their unique health profile, taking into consideration factors such as age, vitality, constitution and digestion. In aging patients, a unique class of herbs, known as rasayanas, are known especially for their adaptogenic qualities. These herbs are extremely versatile, and can adapt within the body to meet individual physiological needs. Rasayanas have a rejeuvenating effect, restoring vitality and virility.
What follows is a summary of herbal treatments for healthy aging.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a shrubby plant which offers tremendous potential as an energizing medicinal herb. Ayurvedic practitioners have used the roots of this plant for centuries with success as a tonic to increase vitality and longevity, as well as to treat health conditions as diverse as tumors and arthritis. Recent laboratory studies confirm what Ayurvedic practitioners have known for years – that Ashwagandha has the potential to ease or even eliminate many of today’s common health problems.
Research on Ashwagandha has shown it to be a stress adaptogen, with diuretic and anti-cancer properties. Ashwagandha is known to promote the healing process. It is used to treat insomnia, fatigue, stress, depression, anxiety and cancer. It can also be used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Ashwagandha was tested for its anti-aging properties in a double-blind clinical trial. A group of 101 healthy males, 50-59 years old, were given low daily doses of the herb for one year. The subjects experienced significant improvement in hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hair melanin, and seated stature. Serum cholesterol decreased and nail calcium was preserved. Seventy percent of the research subjects reported improvement in sexual performance.
Amla (Emblica officinalis)
Amla is an excellent rejuvenator. It has powerful antioxidant properties and counters the toxicity of heavy metals such as nickel, cobalt, arsenic and mercury. It also provides protective properties after one has been exposed to toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. It has powerful anti-cancer properties and, like Ashwagandha, has been used in cancer therapy to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Amla is one of the richest sources of natural vitamin C available and is well-known as a powerful immune support.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari has tonic, adaptogenic, alterative (curative) and aphrodisiac activities. It is used to treat debility and chronic diseases like infertility, impotence, menopause, lung abscesses and chronic fevers.
In traditional herbal medicine, Shatavari is used to treat stomach ulcers, hyperacidity and diarrhea. Preparations of the herb have a soothing effect on dry and irritated membranes, making it useful in treating bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. As a rasayana, it is believed to bring into balance all of the body's fluids. Ancient texts recommend Shatavari as a remedy for nervous disorders, inflammation, liver disease and certain infectious diseases.
Trifala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Emblica officinalis)
Trifala, or “three fruits,” is an ancient blend of three highly-valued herbs – Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Terminalia bellerica (Bahera), and Phyllanthus emblica (Amla). Trifala is a powerful adaptogen. The combined herbs act synergistically and have digestive and eliminative actions. Trifala has anti-parasitic, anti-yeast, anti-bacterial and antihistaminic properties. It improves the flow of bile, lowers cholesterol and can be used to ease side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Although Trifala has many health benefits, it has primarily been used as a digestive aid and intestinal cleanser. Unlike many products of its kind, Trifala acts gently, promoting regularity without irritating the bowels. Regular users of Trifala report a natural regularity, in contrast to the forced bowel evacuation experienced with other laxatives. Trifala is also frequently used to relieve indigestion.
Shilajit (Mineral pitch)
Shilajit is a rich source of naturally occurring minerals. Russian athletes used it as non-steroidal body builder and a stamina enhancer. Shilajit is often considered to be an aphrodisiac and as a tonic for the kidneys and prostate. It helps with benign prostate enhancement and is an immune enhancer.
Shilajit is considered a rasayana herb and an adaptogen.The substance has been found to contain at least 85 minerals in ionic form, as well as humic acid and fulvic acid. Clinical research has been conducted to determine Shilajit’s pharmacological activity, and the results have confirmed its traditional uses in treating impotence, sterility, mental diseases, and for improving memory and learning.
Pippali (Piper longum)
Pippali helps in digestion, enhances acid and enzyme secretions. It significantly enhances the absorption of nutrients, herbs and drugs and has shown anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic and powerful anti-parasitic actions. Ancient texts list Pippali as one of the most powerful rasayana herbs, which means that it is a valuable longevity enhancer. It is also considered a purifying herb, with soothing qualities that help improve the quality of sleep. Contemporary studies point to the wide-ranging effectiveness of Pippali in respiratory, liver, digestive, metabolic, parasitic and malignant conditions.
In conclusion, by eating well, following good daily and seasonal routines, occasionally undergoing a cleansing regime and following up with the right rejuvenating herbs, longevity may be increased, and health can be optimized throughout one's lifetime.
References
Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137-41.
Selected medicinal plants of India. Chemexcil, Mumbai Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 1989
Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Handa KL, Kapur LD.Indigenous drugs of India. Calcutta: Academic Publishers; 1994. pp. 496.
David Winston & Steven Maimes. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, Healing Arts Press, 2007.
Rege NN, Thatte UM, Dhanukar SA 1999 Adaptogenic properties of six rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicines. Phytotherapy Research 13(4):275
 |
