Brain Power

Herbs and supplements are some of the best weapons for anti-aging, but there are also practical things you can do to reduce the signs of aging both physically and mentally. Here is a basic herbal guide to anti-aging, and some tips you can take into consideration to help keep your body and mind youthful.

But remember, before adding any herbs to your health regimen, be sure to speak with your medical professional about whether or not they are appropriate for you.

Anti-Aging Herbs for the Brain

As we age, circulation grows poorer. Sooner or later this can lead to a decreased blood flow to the brain, making it work less efficiently. It can also reduce the effectiveness of the oxygen the brain receives. Toxic elements in the blood can also erode the brain and cause memory loss. In a worst case scenario, thickening blood can cause strokes.

There are two primary herbs that aid in fighting these conditions as we age. They are ginkgo biloba and gotu kola.

Ginkgo biloba‘s usefulness is well-supported by scientific studies. It has been shown to improve and alleviate all of the aforementioned aging brain conditions, but it’s especially well known for its ability to improve short-term memory. It does this, in addition to improving mood and focus, by increasing the oxygen metabolism in the brain. It also is a strong antioxidant to fight the toxic free radicals that attack the brain. Ginkgo is considered most effective in those over the age of 50.

Gotu kola is revered in Indian medicine for its ability to rejuvenate the brain, increase intelligence, enhance memory, and fight senility. Some studies also suggest gotu kola is good for combating fatigue and stress.

Anti-Aging Tips for the Brain

- Be sure to keep your brain active. Crossword puzzles are an excellent way to challenge yourself and kick those brain cells into high gear!

- Get plenty of sleep. The less sleep we get, the more cloudy everything seems. Fatigue is not a healthy brain’s friend.

Anti-Aging Herbs for Circulation

As mentioned before, lessening circulation is a real concern as we age. This can affect the entire body, not just the brain. One circulatory enemy is high cholesterol, which can thicken the arteries, reduce blood flow, and lead to both cardiac problems and stroke. Your doctor should carefully monitor your cholesterol, but there are herbs you can take to decrease your cholesterol-related risks.

Two herbs that can improve your circulatory system and related systems are garlic and hawthorn.

Garlic is very well known for its ability to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It can also reduce blood pressure and thin the blood, all of which improves the performance of circulation. Garlic is often recommended in addition to a diet and exercise regime for cholesterol control.

Hawthorn must only be taken under a physician’s supervision. It is known to increase blood flow to the heart and surrounding areas, and to dilate blood vessels. It is used most commonly to fight poor or lessened heart performance such as seen with cases of congestive heart failure and heart-attack recovery.

Anti-Aging Tips for Circulation

- Exercise daily. Even 15-20 minutes of simple, low-impact cardio exercise daily, such as a brisk walk, can help. The idea is to get your heart pumping and blood flowing, and increase your oxygen uptake through cardio. However, you should discuss an exercise plan with your doctor before undertaking it.

- Move around. If you find that you live a sedentary lifestyle, as so many today do, be sure that you get up and move around at least once every hour. Stretch your muscles and shake your limbs. Try walking around a little to increase circulation in your legs. A great way to do this is to go get a glass of water regularly. That way you’re staying hydrated and you’re moving around while doing it!

Image c/o Felipe Gabaldón.