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AMERICAN
GINSENG Panax
quinquefolius and ASIAN
GINSENG P.
ginseng Chinese and Korean
peoples
revere ginseng as the Fountain of Youth.
They
regard this herb as a tonic for the elderly
because it tones the skin and muscles, helps
improve appetite and digestion and restores
depleted sexual energy.
Ginseng is
slowly gaining supporters among American
physicians. One big booster is Andrew Weil,
M.D., herb advocate, professor at the
University of Arizona College of Medicine in
Tucson and author of Natural Health, Natural
Medicine. He frequently recommends ginseng to
help strengthen people who are weakened by old
age or chronic illness.
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GOTU
KOLA Centella
asiatica Gotu kola is widely
used in India to improve memory and extend
longevity. If you want to use it, add a fresh
leaf or two or a teaspoon or so of dried herb
to beverage teas. You can also add a few
fresh leaves to salads.
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HORSETAIL
Equisetum
arvense With age and declining
hormonal activity, levels of the mineral
silicon decrease in the arteries and skin.
Silicon also plays a role in the repair of
bone, cartilage and connective tissues. Horsetail, a good herbal source of silicon, is
a longtime folk remedy for fractures, torn
ligaments and related injuries.
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MILK
THISTLE Silybum
marianum This is a great
liver protector. The liver processes drugs and
environmental toxins, so it's under constant
assault in the modern world. Anyone who drinks
alcohol, takes drugs (legal or illicit) or
comes in contact with any pollutants might
benefit from this herb.
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PEPPERMINT
Mentha
piperita Peppermint relieves
indigestion and gastrointestinal
distress. It also contains antioxidants
that help prevent cancer, heart disease and
other diseases associated with aging.
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PURSLANE
Portulaca oleracea
Purslane is exceptionally rich in antioxidants
and the compound glutathione, which is both a
powerful antioxidant and an immune system
booster.
Speaking
of glutathione, other vegetables rich in this
anti-aging compound include asparagus,
broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes and
tomatoes. Fruits with this antioxidant
include avocados, grapefruit, oranges, peaches
and watermelon.
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THYME
Thymus
vulgaris Thyme is another good
source of beneficial anti-aging chemicals. You
can even benefit from soaking in it. Add
a handful of the dried herb to your
bath. Thyme's aromatic oil helps soothe
back spasms.
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WILLOW
Salix, various
species The bark of this
tree was the original source of aspirin.
It can be made into a tea that relieves
headache, toothache, arthritis and other
painful conditions. It also helps
prevent heart attack, stroke and colorectal
cancer.
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