Herbs for Healthy Ageing

Ageing is the process of becoming older and is usually associated with dynamic biological, psychological, physiological, environmental, behavioral, and social changes. Along with general symptoms like wrinkled skin, greying hair, and macular degeneration, ageing gradually decreases physical and mental capacity. Ageing increases the risk of human diseases and ultimately leads to death. About two-thirds of people die each day from age-related causes.

Ageing is inevitable; it involves the changes in a person with physical, psychological, mental, and social change. Although these changes can not be avoided, they can only be delayed by following a healthy lifestyle and using natural ingredients and herbs. As we get older, specific actions such as improving our diet, performing physical activity, doing regular health screenings, and managing disease-related risk factors can help improve our overall health.

According to Ayurveda, healthy ageing is achieved through a combination of nourishing diet, physical activities, and the use of herbs. The consumption of herbs containing anti-oxidant properties helps fight cell damage and initiate new cell growth, thus regenerating body cells. The Rasayana branch of Ayurveda deals explicitly with ageing and its effects and helps rejuvenate body cells.

Following are a few herbs that help delay the signs of ageing and combat its visibility on the skin:

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica/ Emblica officinalis)

Amla, known as Indian gooseberry, is an ancient herb used in folk medicine for centuries. According to Ayurveda, Amla is considered the best anti-ageing herb. Amla is a rich source of vitamin C, minerals, and amino acids. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant which keeps oxidative stress at bay. Amla also helps boosts immunity and is beneficial for rejuvenation. Its anti-ageing properties promote skin health by firming it, reducing signs of ageing, and making skin glow. Amla also has sound effects on hair texture, strength, and growth.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric (Haldi), widely used in the Indian kitchen, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. For generations, turmeric has been used to heal wounds and helps in keeping infections at bay due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Curcumin, an anti-ageing component of turmeric, inhibits free radical production and controls ageing by protecting cells from damage and stimulating new cell growth. Turmeric also protects skin from the damage caused by the harmful sun rays. Turmeric lessens the oil secretion by the sebaceous glands and helps in keeping infections at bay. Due to its exfoliation properties, turmeric removes dead skin cells, thus maintaining a healthy and youthful glow to the skin.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a new anti-ageing superfood that fights visible signs of ageing on the skin by combating wrinkles. Basil is a popular folk remedy and widely used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and other holistic medical systems. Basil is rich in manganese, iron, vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It is also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Basil helps reduce stress and helps control blood sugar. Preliminary studies suggest that basil reduces memory loss and depression associated with stress and ageing. It also reduces stroke damage and supports recovery, whether given before or right after a stroke. Topical application of basil can be beneficial in retaining the moisture and hydration of the skin, reducing roughness, and providing a smooth texture.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi is a Sanskrit word that means to protect the body from diseases. Amrita is another name for this herb, which refers to the heavenly elixir. According to Hindu mythology, Guduchi saved celestial beings from old age by keeping them eternally young. As per Ayurveda, Guduchi is one among the four Medya Rasayan. Guduchi is rich in anti-oxidants, and is used as an anti-ageing and rejuvenating tonic to help prolong life. It also has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-viral, and wound healing properties. Guduchi is used extensively to treat fever, diabetes, arthritis, urinary tract disorders, anaemia, jaundice, asthma, cardiac diseases, etc. Guduchi is a well-known immune-modulator herb and helps enhance immunity.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi is used in Ayurvedic medicine to help boost memory and learning. It helps boost cognitive abilities during ageing. It is the most popular memory enhancer among consumers of age above 60. A study shows that it enhances motor learning and grasping, memory consolidation, retention, and reverses amnesia in aged people. Due to its brain stress hormones modulation property, Brahmi is used in anxiety and stress reduction. Brahmi contains compounds that help the body naturally produce collagen proteins and restore youthfulness. It also helps diminish fine lines, spots, and signs of ageing by improving cell renewal and tissue repair. Brahmi contains polyphenols, carotenoids, and flavonoids that protect skin cells from damage by fighting free radicals. Thus the herb helps block the changes that occur during the ageing process.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul)

Guggul has a long history of use in Ayurveda to treat inflammation, arthritis, obesity, microbial infection, wound, pain, fractures, tumours, and gastrointestinal diseases. It is one of the most important herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. The earliest medicinal use of Guggul is mentioned in the Atharvaveda. Its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in combating various diseases. Studies show that Guggul possesses anti-wrinkle properties and can be used in skincare products.

Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica)

​Gotu kola, also known as mandukparni, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat many diseases, including infected wounds, syphilis, eczema, psoriasis, etc. This ancient healing plant is making a comeback in the modern science of preventing skin ageing. It is rich in amino acids, beta carotene, and numerous potent phytochemicals. Gotukola stimulates new cell growth, builds collagen, and improves circulation. Due to its skin rejuvenation properties, this herb has been included in many anti-ageing products.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha, also called Indian Ginseng, enhances vitality and strength. Ashwagandha has adaptogen, immunomodulating, cognitive enhancing, and anti-stress properties. It is a good rejuvenator and helps delay signs of ageing by rapid cell regeneration. Ashwagandha boosts DHEA and oestrogen hormones that help maintain the skin youthful by stimulating the collagen generation and increasing the natural skin oils. It also prevents stress from ageing the skin by lowering cortisol levels.