Everyone is looking for the “fountain of youth,” a means of
looking younger, being healthier, and living longer. Perhaps we need to look no
further than our own gardens! There are plenty of herbs and spices that can
help us heal an untold number of infections, diseases, and chronic illnesses
that will help us live longer, and definitely more enjoyably healthy, lives.
Aging
is a fact of life. From the minute we are conceived we begin to grow older.
However, succumbing to the illness that tends to come with age does not have to
happen. Mother Nature provided us with lots of natural means to combat illness.
Everything from antioxidants to fight disease, nutrients to stop stiff joints,
and other compounds to clear out congestion as well as keep our minds sharp,
are all right here on planet earth.
Take
a moment to read about all the ways you can live longer with Mother Nature’s
top immortality herbs and spices.
1. Ginseng
OK,
so maybe you don’t have ginseng growing in your back yard, but ginseng is
fairly easy to find and it’s been used for thousands of years to treat many of
the symptoms of aging, by both the Native Americans as well as the ancient
Chinese. The two most common types of ginseng are American ginseng (Panax
quinquefolius) and Korean, or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Although they are
similar, Asian ginseng is thought to be more stimulating and has been used as a
restorative health tonic for the elderly.
Hundreds of studies show that ginseng is great for the heart,
regulates cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as lowers blood pressure.
It also can increase energy levels and enhance the immune system. Ginseng also
increases blood flow to the rain, which enhances nerve development, which can
lead to an improvement in cognitive function, according to research done at the
Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
2. Holy Basil
According
to the Hindu people, basil is thought to be a scared reincarnation of divinity.
The holy basil plant (a cousin to sweet basil) is called “the incomparable one”. Perhaps
it is called this because of its unparalleled ability to increase energy, lower
stress levels, and promote longevity. Holy basil is often recommended for
those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. Holy
basil is the plant you want to turn to when you have such as stressful life
that you can barely keep it under control, even with meditation. This herb
reduces stress and cortisol levels like crazy, better than any other plant or
even other types of supplements, all without any side effects. Holy basil also
reduces inflammation, a key component of heart disease and many other chronic
diseases that plague Americans today. This plant is super easy to grow
and can be used dried or served fresh. Consider planting some in your herb
garden.
3.
Cardamom
This
super aromatic spice is often used in Arabian and Ethiopian dishes but those
who love it also add some to tea and coffee. It might sound strange, but try it
before you dismiss it. Coffee with a bit of cardamom is divine! Cardamom
relaxes the muscles that line the blood vessels so they don’t become tight and
cause blood pressure surges. One study had those who were suffering from high
blood pressure add just a half a teaspoon of cardamom to their diets each day.
Within 12 weeks, all subjects saw significantly lower blood pressure readings.
This study was published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Cardamom
is terrific at improving digestion, stops heartburn, and upset stomachs. In
many countries, people chew a bit of cardamom after meals to help their meal
digest more efficiently. Chewing it also fights bad breath! Cardamom is
available everywhere and most people enjoy cooking with it.
4.
Saffron
Another
super tasty herb with exciting health benefits, especially in the area of
depression. The University of Tehran did three clinical trials, all of which
found that eating just a pinch ( about 1/10 of a teaspoon) of saffron eased the
depression symptoms for 75 percent of the women involved in this study. This
means saffron is much more effective than any prescription anti-depressant
medication available today. Crocin is the active ingredient in saffron, a
powerful antioxidant that encourages the brain to produce more serotonin that
feel good hormone. Saffron can also suppress your appetite, which might be why
many countries use saffron the way Americans use salt! India is one
country with the highest reported consumption of saffron but they have the
lowest obesity rates in the world. Saffron is another spice that is available
everywhere but can be pricey. Try growing this herb at home. It’s fairly easy
to grow in almost all locations, even in a sunny windowsill.
5.
Sage
Although
sage is not an adaptogen herb, it still ranks up there as one of the best herbs
for promoting longevity. There are almost 900 types of sage, but Spanish sage
and garden sage are the two most common types that are used for healing
purposes. The Aztecs called this the “herb of immortality”. It has both calming
and clarifying effects on sinus and respiratory congestion, making it great for
anyone suffering from breathing problems. It also is known to stop headaches
dead in their tracks and contribute to improved memory and clearer thinking.
Sage oil has been shown in studies to have immune enhancing properties, protect
the heart, and fight cancer. In some cultures, it was said that those who drank
sage tea each night would never grow old. Sage is high in antioxidants, which
fight the free radicals that cause premature aging. It is also high in
anti-inflammatory compounds, which can stop arthritis and its pain. No wonder
people believe that those who consume sage are ageless!
6.
Reishi
Traditional
Chinese medicine called this the “superior herb” and the Taoist tradition calls
this the “mushroom of immortality.” Medicinally, it’s the red reishi that is
most commonly used. Reishi not only increases energy levels, but it improves
the heart, stops immune disorders, improves arthritis pain, and is super
effective against cancer. Reishi mushrooms stimulate brain neurons, prevent the
development of new fat cells, and destroy cancer cells. Read more about other mushrooms that prevent diseases.
Researchers
using lab mice have shown that they have extended lifespans after eating Reishi
mushrooms, as much as 20 percent! That would be between 7 to 16 more years for
a human being, all from one little mushroom. Other studies show that these
mushrooms help to manage most of today’s troublesome age related issues such as
autoimmune disorders, liver disease, neurodegenerative problems, cancer, and
much more. There are plenty of powdered supplements, or you can use it fresh in
your cooking. They might be a bit expensive in some areas and at certain times
of the year, but no one ever said that immortality came cheap!
7.
Turmeric
Super
popular in Asian, Indian, and African cuisines, this golden spice has so many health benefits, it’s hard to list them all
here. If you aren’t a fan of the flavor, you should take supplements. Just one
teaspoon of turmeric each day can cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
by as much as 50 percent, according to studies done at Thailand’s
Srinakharinwirot University. Turmeric stops free radicals from damaging your
organs and cells. It also helps to stop the aging process when it comes to
heart health, memory function, and providing important support to your immune
system. Turmeric can help you to maintain your healthy bones and joints, well
into your senior years, and regulate your cholesterol levels. Turmeric is known
to help your body, right down to your cells, by neutralizing substances that
cause stress and provide your body with the antioxidants you need to keep your
cells strong from excessive oxidation. Turmeric is a well-known adaptogen,
which helps your body fight off the effects of stress. You can drink turmeric tea, put some in your smoothie, or, if you
aren’t a fan of the taste, take supplements.
8.
Astragalus
This
herb has earned a powerful reputation for its deep healing effects on the
immune system. This is another one of China’s healing marvels that works
wonders on numerous health issues including fatigue, inflammation, circulation,
liver issues, the flu, blood pressure, and cancer. In fact, this herb works so
well and is so popular that even pharmaceutical companies are using it as a
base for some of their newer prescription drugs! Astragalus seems to be able to
slow the aging process by encouraging the health of telomeres, which is the
compound that holds our chromosomes together. This herb is perhaps best known
to many as a means of improving the immune function right down to a cellular
level. It has been used throughout history as a means of improving digestion,
and protecting the heart, liver, and lungs. On top of all that this herb has
cardiotonic compounds, which means it can protect your heart from the damage
that free radical oxidative stress can cause. All of these benefits in one
little herb! Really impressive! Buy this as an extract, or in tablet form as a
supplement.
9.
Jiaogulan
You
might not have heard of this one as much as its cousin, ginseng. This herb is
literally called the “immortality herb” by the Chinese people. Jiaogulan helps
the liver burn fat by moving carbs and sugar into your muscles, rather than
storing them. It is also a super heart defender because it improves good
cholesterol and regulates the body’s blood pressure. This means it can also
protect you from problems that come with high cholesterol and heart issues,
mainly stroke and heart attacks.
Jiaogulan,
which in Chinese means the twisting vine orchid, grows almost everywhere and is
often consumed in the form of a tea. Elderly persons often refer to Jiaogulan
as the source of their longevity. This plant can improve digestion, protect
your immune system, stop free radical damage, regulate hormones in both men and
women, as well as regulate cholesterol levels. Basically, this herb is the
perfect balancing compound, if something is high, it lowers it; if something is
too low, it raises it. Jiaogulan is an adaptogen, like ginseng, so it adapts
and restores balance to whatever it is that needs it. Jiaogulan is mainly taken
as a tea.
10.
Ginger
Ginger
is thought of as a universal medicine in India. No matter what is ailing you,
ginger is thought to cure it, including muscle pain, headaches, joint pain, and
even back injuries. About 3 slices of fresh ginger root, or one teaspoon of
freshly grated ginger is all it takes to fight off the aches and pains most
people experience after just two weeks. This study was done at the University
of Miami.
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