Aging is inevitable they say. Each year that we grow older, our body is bombarded with different changes in all aspects. Physical, mental, psychological, and hormonal changes occur and most of us feel helpless because there is nothing we can do about it. Our muscles start to weaken, our bones become a bit fragile, wrinkles line our faces, our joints creak occasionally and we easily get tired. Mentally, we start to forget where we placed our car keys or where we’re going as soon as we step out of the door. We forget names, birthdays, anniversaries, faces. Hormonal changes may also occur, as a result, our metabolism slows down and we experience menopause and andropause. Aging brings along a lot of changes and just the thought of it could sometimes be scary.

What Causes Premature Aging?

For some people, aging comes along quickly than normal. This may be attributed to the fact that the environment he constantly surrounds himself with can significantly affect the aging process. This is the reason why there are people who do not look like their age. We wonder why he looks 50 when he is only 35 years old. Little did we know that the person is a chain-smoker for the past 15 years and is a chronic alcohol drinker. He stays up late until the wee hours of the morning, only to get up at a very early time to go to the office. His work in the office is very stressful and his relationships with friends and family have been non-existent for the longest time. These are but some of the scenarios that may contribute to premature aging.

And then there is the presence of free radicals – substances that are products of the oxidative process which does the body more harm than good. Free radicals are said to be the culprit of many health conditions: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and premature aging to name a few. They cause damage to the cells inside the body and could precipitate the growth of cancerous tumors. The effects of free radicals are very much evident in your skin, hair and eyes. Premature aging causes wrinkling of the face, dry, brittle hair and poor vision. You see, free radicals are not good, and we have to find a way to counteract them.

How to Counteract Premature Aging

The good news is that there is a very effective way to counteract premature aging. One word should immediately come into your mind: Antioxidants. These are substances that fight the battle with free radicals in order to neutralize them and minimize their effects on the body. Antioxidants are the by-word these days, with almost all products claiming that theirs have high antioxidant activity. But is there a truth to all these claims? How sure are we that what they are selling are authentic, safe and effective? It always pays to be careful. Be extra mindful of what you are buying, especially because synthetic products carry with them the risk of side effects and adverse effects. In order for you to be a hundred percent sure, go natural.

Herbs found right in your garden can be utilized to promote health. Here are five of the best anti-aging herbs there is:

• Ginkgo

  Ginkgo Biloba, or simply Ginkgo, is one of the most popular herbs in the market today. It has been known to improve blood circulation going to the brain and because of this effect, the regular use of ginkgo can help with problems association with brain functions such as memory. A common complaint of aging individuals is a lapse or a gap in memory, and studies have shown that regular ginkgo intake can actually help improve a person’s memory and repair damaged nerve tissues. Plus, it also exerts a protective effect on the brain cells, allowing it to function very well.

• Gotu Kola

  Aside from Ginkgo, another alternative anti-aging herb that helps to improve the health of the brain is Gotu Kola. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years already and studies have been conducted supporting health claims that Gotu Kola can indeed help improve a person’s memory. Gotu Kola is considered as a rejuvenating herb which helps to increase the mental capacity and mental ability of the person and also improve his behavioral patterns. For those undergoing menopause, this herb also helps relieve anxiety, alleviate fatigue and ease depression. In order to fully appreciate the effects of Gotu Kola, taking 600 mg of dried powdered Gotu Kola leaves thrice a day should be maintained.

• Turmeric

  Also used as a spice for cooking, turmeric has a lot of benefits, not only in adding flavor and heat to our food, but it also does wonders to a body that is undergoing the aging process. The active ingredient found in turmeric is curcumin and it boasts of certain properties that work against inflammation. This is especially useful for aging people suffering from the painful effects of inflamed joints. It also improves the health of the brain and has been known to help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Along with milk thistle, turmeric also keeps the liver healthy. You may dry and grind turmeric and take 1 gram each day for better health.

• Garlic

  Garlic has been known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. An added plus is its ability to help lower high blood pressure levels, lower levels of bad cholesterol known as the LDL, and at the same time prevent the occurrence of blood clots. Blood clots are dangerous because they may dislodge, travel through the blood stream and lodge on small arteries such as those of the heart, causing a heart attack, or in the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke. Garlic is good for the heart and we all need a healthy heart as we age.

• Ginger

  A very potent anti-aging herb, ginger boasts of anti-inflammatory properties that can help lessen the pain of arthritis sufferers. It is also known for its ability to help in the digestive processes and help in boosting the function of the immune system, helping the person to become less susceptible to illnesses.

Sources
naturalhomeandgarden.com
simplyantiaging.com
menopause-wellness.com
naturalnews.com