Ayurvedic Anti-Aging Herbs
My Favorite Ayurvedic Anti-Aging Herbs for those over Forty.
Rejuvenation falls under Ayurveda’s eight branches of medicine. Longevity and quality of life into advanced age are the cornerstones of Ayurvedic philosophy and treatment. By staying vibrant through all of life’s stages, we can age gracefully and maintain quality of life through old age.
Ayurveda aims to bring vitality, life force, and immunity, otherwise referred to as Ojas, to the body and mind. Ojas is described in Ayurveda as the most refined substance of digestion. This substance can be described as the golden elixir of all the vital fluids in the body. It literally translates to”vigor”, and is understood as the essential energy for the body and mind. Without Ojas, we would cease to exist.
Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging treatments, aimed at increasing Ojas, encompass a range of modalities that work holistically and synergistically to enliven the innate intelligence in our bodies. Diet and lifestyle practices play an important role in maintaining physical and mental longevity. By understanding the principles of an Ayurvedic diet based on the elemental properties that are dominant in the body and mind, in addition to understanding the present imbalances, diet can bring overall health on a long-term basis. Lifestyle practices play an equally important role when it comes to anti-aging. Eating and sleeping at times that correspond to nature’s circadian rhythms helps to set our internal clock and balance the Doshas. Vata Dosha, which governs the nervous system, is the most temperamental and first to move out of balance making it most affected by routine and schedule. As we age, we enter into the Vata stage of life making it even more important to keep Vata grounded, affecting our aging process. Keeping a consistent schedule and eating a balanced diet is paramount to healthy aging. Implementing multi-modality approaches such as meditation, yoga, abhyanga, pranayama, and panchakarma treatments (Shirodhara) also adds to Ayurveda’s holistic anti-aging approach.
In conjunction with diet and lifestyle practices, herbs can greatly assist the body/mind in regaining balance. Ayurvedic herbs work with your body to restore natural balance to every cell. The intelligence within plants is truly amazing. There is a plant for every human need and Ayurveda’s extensive research on these plants over thousands of years of human experiental knowledge is astounding. “There is an herb for every organ, every gland, Mother Nature has put medicine in our food. Pure intelligence.”-Akin Olokun.
My favorite Ayurvedic herbs for rejuvenation boost immunity, strengthen the tissues of the body, aid in digestion, and promote a balanced, Sattvic mind. These herbs are under the classification called Rasayanas in Ayurveda.
Ashwagandha- this stress-relieving adaptogenic herb has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to promote overall well-being and vitality. Modern scientific research has begun to unravel the mechanisms behind its effects.
The word Ashwagandha is alternately translated as the “strength,” “sweat,” and “smell” of ten horses. It helps build the tissues of the body as well as strengthens the nervous and reproductive, immune and respiratory systems. It is one of the best ojas builders.
Shilajit- shilajit has been used for thousands of years to support energy, memory, absorption of vital nutrients, intelligence, healthy blood sugar, detoxification, and cellular protection. Found in the rock crevasses of the Himalayan Mountains, it is mineral-dense and one of the few substances to contain fulvic acid.
Shilajit is a catalyst substance used to accelerate the properties of other substances and combines wonderfully with ashwagandha.
Amla -Modern science is fascinated by Amalaki. One of the best Ayurvedic rasyanas, it supports digestion, elimination, immunity, blood, liver, and skin health. Amalaki has repeatedly shown to support heart and arterial health, healthy blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels already within the normal range, and overall vitality.
Vidari -Vidari kanda (Ipomoea digitata) is a nutritive tonic that is rejuvenating for both body and mind. In both sexes, it is a strengthening aphrodisiac that supports fertility and vitality. Vidari kanda is also traditionally used to pacify excess vata. It is an excellent herb for supporting healthy aging in seniors and for supporting healthy weight gain in vata types.
Brahmi- Named after one of the highest states of consciousness (Brahman or God consciousness), Brahmi supports energy and mental clarity while encouraging deep, restful sleep. Famous as a tonic for nerve and brain cells, cerebral circulation, memory, intestinal health, and sleep, brahmi is considered one of the best rasyanas in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia.
Learn what herbs are right for you by making an appointment for a consultation or a rejuvenating Ayurvedic body treatment, Shirodhara.
