12 Anti-Aging Herbs and Nutrients

Trying to maintain a youthful appearance but don’t want to undergo the knife, Botox or some other invasive procedure?

Natural herbs and nutrients can help. Here are 11 of the best ones for anti-aging:

1. ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (ALA)

ALA is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radical damage. It also helps to recycle other antioxidants like vitamins E and C, giving you greater protection against free radicals. Free radicals are to blame for aging and disease, including skin damage and wrinkling.

Research in the European medical journal Inflammation Research found that alpha lipoic acid not only protects the cells and tissues against free radical damage linked to aging, it also prevents the destruction of the cellular energy centers, known as mitochondria, which tend to become damaged as we age. Preventing damage to these critical cellular components helps to ensure adequate energy for cellular and tissue repair over time.

2. BILBERRY

Packed with antioxidants, bilberry is potent medicine against many age-related concerns. It is especially helpful to preserve vision and prevent degenerative eye diseases. Researchin the online medical journal PLoS One found that bilberry can help protect against damage to the retina and nerves of the eye.

3. GABA (GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID)

Declining levels of HGH are linked with many of the symptoms linked with aging: fat gain, muscle loss, loss of energy, poor sleep, skin changes, bone density loss and a decline in libido. Supplementing with GABA, a natural amino acid may help to maintain levels of HGH naturally, lessening these unwanted symptoms. Avoid GABA if you are prone to seizures. 

4. GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM)

Garlic is renowned for its potent effects on viruses and bacteria, but it also reduces cholesterol levels, helps lower blood pressure and prevents excessive blood vessel clumping, all of which can contribute to heart disease. The sulphur compounds found in garlic have been found in research published in the journal Molecules to have significant antioxidant activity against free radicals.

5. GINKGO (GINKGO BILOBA)

While we attribute memory loss, reduced cognitive function and dementia to age, the use of natural medicines like the herb ginkgo biloba may help to protect the brain from age-related damage or impairment. A growing body of research that supports the use of ginkgo to increase blood flow to the brain and to protect brain cells and blood vessels in the brain.

In a recent study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, scientists assessed the existing studies showcasing the role of ginkgo on brain health and found that ginkgo may be helpful in the treatment of vascular dementia. A typical dose varies between 60 to 240 mg of standardized ginkgo extract per day. Follow package instructions for the product you choose.

6. GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG)

Among the Chinese, ginseng is considered the Fountain of Youth. According to renowned late herbalist Dr. James Duke, it tones the skin and muscles, improves appetite and digestion, and restores sexual energy. Ginseng comes in many forms including: raw herb, tea, liquid extract, tincture, tablets and capsules. Follow package directions for the product you choose.

7. GOTU KOLA (CENTELLA ASIATICA)

Frequently used in India to improve memory and extend longevity, gotu kola is excellent when made into an herbal tea. It has been shown in research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology to demonstrate significant antioxidant ability, as well as to improve cognitive function and mitochondria health.

8. HORSETAIL (EQUISETUM ARVENSE)

Loaded with the mineral silicon that often declines with age, horsetail plays a role in increasing the silicon in arteries, skin, bones, cartilage and connective tissues. Researchers studied the effectiveness of horsetail in building bone and preventing infections that can be linked to fractures and osteoporosis. Published in the journal Cell Proliferation, the study showed that horsetail improved the bone-building ability of osteoblasts—cells that make bone by laying down a matrix to which minerals bind to form bone. Horsetail is also available as a tea., tincture and in capsules.

9. MILK THISTLE (SILYBUM MARIANUM)

Since the liver has more than five hundred functions, including processing and filtering medications and environmental toxins, it can suffer from the stresses of the modern world, particularly over time as we age. Silymarin, an active ingredient in milk thistle stimulates liver cell regeneration to help the liver rebuild after it has been damaged. A standardized extract of 140 mg of silymarin per day is suitable to help protect and repair the liver.

10. PEPPERMINT (METHA PEPERITA)

In addition to helping with digestion and gastrointestinal problems linked with aging, peppermint contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer, heart disease and other age-related disorders. It is readily available as an herbal tea.

11. TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA)

Turmeric is powerful against many types of pain and inflammation associated with aging. A spice, commonly used in Indian curries, you can add it to your soups, stews and curries to benefit from this valuable spice. Research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that within only one hour after taking a supplement containing one of turmeric’s active ingredients, curcumin, study participants had a significant improvement in memory and attention tasks compared to the placebo group.

12. VITAMIN D

Vitamin D helps protect against bone loss linked with aging, as well as many chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Staying free of these diseases can certainly help you live a longer, healthier life. Additionally, even the flu can become increasingly dangerous as we age.

Fortunately, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers assessed vitamin D’s ability to reduce the incidence of flu. After assessing the 167 study participants, scientists concluded that vitamin D3 supplementation reduced the incidence of flu. While the study was conducted on children, the results most likely extend to adults. Additionally, in a study of 1739 people published in the medical journal Circulation, researchers found that a vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Correcting the deficiency may help prevent heart disease and premature death due to heart attacks or stroke.

It isn’t necessary to take all of the above herbs and nutrients to benefit from their anti-aging properties. Even one or two taken consistently can help. Start by drinking horsetail, gotu kola or peppermint tea regularly and eating more curries with garlic and turmeric. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested dose for tinctures, capsules or tea. Consult a qualified health professional before taking any herbs or combining them with medications or for the treatment of health conditions.