Professor Kerry Bone, a famous Australian Herbalist, once said – What is the use of living to 90 if you do not know you are there!
That is the problem. As we age, we can drift towards being tired and forgetful, and some of us may get dementia if we live long enough.
There may be a solution to this, by prevention, so read on.
I once overheard an Ayurvedic doctor say that in India, where people cannot afford a lot of medicine or supplements, they use some simple herbs that they can grow locally and use over time to slow down the aging process. They would take these herbs daily in small amounts.
One herb for the body and one for the mind is often chosen.
Good examples of this logic are Ashwagandha and Gotu Kola. These herbs belong to a class known as “Rayasana”, an Ayurvedic word meaning “path of the essence.” Such Herbs have an anti-aging, tonic and rejuvantive effect on the body.
These herbs are currently found in formulas by Fusion Health products -Stress and Anxiety Formula and Memory Formula.
Both formulas have their benefits. Let’s look at some of the benefits of the individual herbs in the formulas to see what they offer.
ASHWAGANDHA ( Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha is known as the “king “of Herbs in Ayurveda. Because of its many properties, it is considered a supreme herb for preventing the aging process. Here are some of the benefits of taking Ashwagandha –
- Has Adaptogenic and tonic effects. Suitable for fatigue and for those who feel “wired and tired,”
- Has anti-inflammatory properties. So is often used in formulas to contain inflammation.
- Has anti-tumour effects. It Will not “cure” cancer but may help contain the spread of some cancers with its properties.
- Anti-aging effect. In Ayurveda, it is used to prevent or slow down the aging process.
- Used as a sexual tonic for those who are devitalised
- May improve sperm count in males
- Helps to prevent Anemia
- Suitable for all age groups, including women and children in
- Known for its anti-anxiety effects and help with sleep problems
- Aids the immune system
TULSI is otherwise known as HOLY BASIL ( Ocimum Sanctum )
Tulsi is the “Queen” of Herbs in Ayurveda and has been revered as a sacred herb in India for over 5000 years. Here are some of the benefits of taking Tulsi –
- It helps normalise blood sugar levels and is suitable for treating type 2 diabetes as a herbal aid.
- It helps normalise cholesterol and blood fats and is used as a heart tonic in Ayurveda with other herbs.
- Studies show has some anti-cancer properties and protects against radiation damage.
- Traditionally used as an expectorant and anti-mucous herb
- It relaxes the nervous system and helps to reduce the effects of Stress
- Has mild tonic properties so valuable with other herbs in treating fatigue
BACOPA MONNERI often called Brahmi
Bacopa is considered the best nerve tonic in Ayurveda, and here are some of the benefits of taking Bacopa.
- A brain tonic and good for improving memory, learning, and concentration
- Used in formulas for nervous exhaustion and “brain fog.”
- It may be of benefit in the prevention and treatment of mild anxiety and depression.
- It May be of benefit for those who have ADHD – Attention deficit disorder
- It May is of value in those who have mild blood pressure as it has blood pressure-lowering properties. ( you can still take it if you are on blood pressure Meds)
- Has anti-cancer properties in test tube studies
GINKGO BILOBA
Ginko is one of the most researched plant species and is revered in Oriental Medicine for its anti-aging properties. Ginko trees often live for thousands of years. Here are some facts about Ginko –
The nuts are used for treating coughs and phlegm and in cooking
The prepared leaves have –
- mild platelet inhibiting properties, so help blood flow
- improve blood circulation to the brain and therefore is helpful for the treatment of memory loss or poor concentration
- They help to increase blood flow to extremities by its vasodilation effect on small blood vessels so useful for vascular problems and Raynauds’ disease
- It helps to reduce the production of histamine in allergic reactions
- Often used to treat tinnitus where there are microcirculation issues.
GOTU KOLA ( Centella Asiatica)
It is another Ayurvedic herb that helps for improving cognitive function. here are some of its properties –
- It helps to improve cognitive function.
- It helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- It helps reduce anxiety and Stress.
- It has a mild antidepressant effect.
- It improves circulation and reduce swelling and is used for connective tissue disorders.
- It helps to ease insomnia.
Summary –
Each herb is effective for preventing or treating a wide range of disorders that it treats. Efficacy is enhanced by combining herbs in the formulas and blending ingredients to harmonise and act in synergy. In this way, there is more value-added by taking a formula as opposed to an individual herb.
I mainly wrote this blog for Seniors or those interested in Anti-aging. The benefits of combining both formulas are very suitable for those of any adult age group to help counter the stresses of modern living. These formulas are ideally suited for those studying or in jobs that require a lot of cognitive thinking or skill.
I cannot think of better formulas than this that will do so much taken together to prevent the aging process.
For anti-aging effects, I recommend taking low doses of each formula over a long time. Higher doses can be used over a shorter time for those under a lot of Stress or specific complaints.
RESOURCES:
Fusion Health www.fusionhealth.com.au look at their product range to see the formulas mentioned
Organic India www.organicindia.com.au great information on traditional Ayurvedic herbs
Dr Axe https://draxe.com
Dragon Herbs https://www.dragonherbs.com
Master Herbalist Ron Teeguarden provides cutting edge information on Oriental Herbs.
For a free pulse diagnosis, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on www.adelaidenaturopath.net.au.
