Herbal support for graceful aging
Herbal medicine can support our bodies and minds through life and encourage us to age with more grace.
Of course, the aging process is natural and inevitable. It is an accumulation of lessons learned and life lived, but with so many experiences available to us, many people are looking to slow down the aging process so that they can add life to their years while adding years to their life. And it never hurts to look good as well!
A few body systems have the greatest impact on our physical and mental health. When we know the underlying issues that influence whether someone appears older or younger than their actual years, we can be proactive in the aging process. Things that contribute to aging of the body and mind include toxic load, emotional/mental/physical stress, and inflammation.
To mitigate the influence of these factors on our body and mind, two key herbs are worth considering.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a botanical powerhouse with over 5,000 references in published medical journals! It offers three key actions on the body that have been well-documented for several thousands of years as a key herb in India and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in modern research trials. It protects the liver, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and an anti-neoplastic (anti-cancer) agent.
By supporting the elimination of toxins from the body through increasing bile flow while supporting the health of liver cells and protecting them from the very toxins they metabolize, as well as reducing inflammation throughout the body, turmeric deserves a top spot in your supplement regimen. It is an edible spice that can easily be added to your recipes. However, most people do not successfully consume their therapeutic daily dose through their diet. In our polluted world where low-level inflammation is linked to a myriad of health challenges, a concentrated whole-food turmeric supplement can be a game-changer.
Inflammation is a necessary process for the body to heal from acute injury, infection, or trauma. However, when it becomes chronic, it is associated with a variety of health challenges from cardiovascular to pain on movement, and it can even contribute to depression and anxiety through the effects of inflammatory signals on the brain. Regulating inflammation in the body is key to feeling good now and in the years to come.
Ashwagandha is another Ayurvedic herb that shines in its ability to support longevity and healthy aging through supporting several systems at once.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a calming adaptogen that benefits thyroid health. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help us adapt to change, which, in turn, supports our stress response. Some adaptogens are stimulating and give an energy boost, while others are neutral and just support the body over time. Ashwagandha is one of the few adaptogenic herbs that help us to feel calmer and sleep better, while still supporting our stress response over time. This is reflected in its Latin name “somnifera” – “somnus” is Latin for sleep, and Ashwagandha has a long history of relaxing restless bodies and minds.
People who get out of bed already anxious about facing the day ahead can take Ashwagandha in the morning, or you can take it closer to bedtime to help support restful sleep.
When we sleep, we heal. When we can laugh, let go, and adapt to the curveballs that life sends our way, we are in a better position to age gracefully in both our bodies and our minds. When we are calm and balanced, we are more likely to make better decisions for our ultimate well-being. Choosing good nutrition over fast food “treats,” or deciding to exercise or perhaps connect with a friend rather than more negative self-soothing behaviors can have a positive effect on our health. Ashwagandha can be a wonderful support in helping us to reach and stay in that “better place.”
Liquid vs. Dried Herbs
Liquid herbal extracts offer superior absorption to dried herbs offered in capsules since the medicinal active ingredients are already in solution and ready to be absorbed. Dried herbs not steeped into a tea or tincture first have a limited survival time in the upper digestive tract in order to be solubilized and absorbed. Botanica Liquid Phyto-Caps are originally extracted in a blend of water and alcohol to obtain the full spectrum of medicinal active ingredients. Then this extract is added to glycerin, and then the alcohol and water are removed leaving a concentrated liquid extract that is offered in vegetarian capsules. They offer the body a potent dose of medicinal active ingredients from herbs in a travel-friendly liquid form that is great for people who avoid alcohol for religious or other reasons, or who want the benefits of a tincture without actually tasting the medicine.
The foundational elements for living well and aging beautifully include eating whole nutrient-dense meals, having optimal digestion and detoxification, supporting movement, sleep, and joy. Botanica Turmeric and Ashwagandha Liquid Phyto-caps can help to support these elements directly (detoxification, sleep) and indirectly (increased mobility due to decreased pain, and mood regulation).
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27228476
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30653773?dopt=Abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26357876
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798?dopt=Abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27055824?dopt=Abstract