Keep that youthful glow with rejuvenating botanicals famed for their contribution to longevity.
We all want to live long, healthy lives. Holistic health practitioners believe that many of the diseases that are conventionally accepted as being part of ‘getting old’ are actually largely due to an unhealthy lifestyle rather than a consequence of chronological ageing. But it’s never too late to change, even if we are advanced in years!
So how do we live well into our twilight years and, more the point, still enjoy radiant health? Here at Indigo Herbs we would answer: by taking advantage of the empirical knowledge of the ages. That is, with a wholefood diet, adequate sleep, exercise, relaxation, stress management and emotional/spiritual fulfilment – and by changing bad habits for good ones (you know the ones we mean!).
To boost our efforts there are many tonic and ‘rejuvenating’ botanicals – see the list below. Some of these substances have an ancient pedigree (several sacred scriptures refer to them) but only recently have scientific studies shown us why they are so good for us. Sometimes it is due to high levels of antioxidants, other times because the plant builds our resilience to the stresses and strains of daily life.
All our botanicals are pure, so you can be sure than what you put in your body will not add to the environmental toxins we are already exposed to in modern life.
Ashwagandha is the tonic for the 21st centuary lifestyle, it is said to bring "the strength of a stallion". It is known as Indian Ginseng. It is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ashwagandha is rejuvenating and strengthening to the nervous system, and it works as a mild depressant to the over agitated nerves whilst nourishing and protecting. So it is excellent for stress induced disorders such as Insomnia, Anxiety, Neurosis.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, so it helps the body and mind adapt to stress that cannot be avoided, whilst strengthening and calming the mind and body.
Astragalus has a long history in China as an immune booster. Used as a base herb in many different herbal blends, Astragalus has the power to either fight off or help the body climb back to peak health. Highly recommended with Clats Claw.
Brahmi is named after the Hindu God Brahman, who is the all pervading consciousness responsible for all "creative forces" in the world. Bacopa monniera is the authentic Brahmi, it is often confused with Hydrocotyle asiatica or Gota Kola which is also known as Brahmi in North India.
Brahmi is recommended for use in adults and children as it is mild and gentle and appropriate for any age. It is a tonic in Ayurveda.
Cordyceps / Cordyceps sinensis is a much praised and highly sought after herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has a wide range of potential therapeutic possibilities including longevity. It is also known as a performance enhancer. (Cordyceps are said to be the secret weapon for the unexpected success of the Chinese atheletes in the 1996 Olympic games!)
Fo ti is one of the most widely praised herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, some claiming that it is second only to Ginseng in reputation and use.
In China, Fo-Ti has a long history of reversing and preventing the effects of ageing as a bittersweet, astringent, slightly warming herb that was first recorded in 973 A.D as a key remedy for the elderly. The Chinese common name for Fo-Ti is "He-Shou-Wu," and its history is rich in legend.
Ginkgo is one of the most popular herbs in use today, originating in Asia. It is the oldest surviving tree on earth and it has been used traditionally to improve concentration and memory. It is also known to stimulate circulation and thin the blood. It should not be taken along side blood thinning medicine.
Goji berries / Wolf berries are known as the ultimate tonic for longevity, within the Chinese medicine tradition. They are thought to nourish Yin energy in the body, having a cooling and nourishing effect on the whole system. They are the perfect daily tonic for modern living, which is said to create too much heat, fire and Yang energy in the body. Goji berries have been used in traditional Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese medicine for 1000s of years.
Gynostemma is a powerful and inexpensive tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine with potent adaptogenic qualities, which is well suited to the modern western lifestyle.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Korean Panax Ginseng is used to promote yang energy, increase the blood supply and improve blood circulation. Panax Ginseng is a stimulant, so it is energizing and can help restore vitality after illness.
Korean Ginseng is an adaptogen so this means it is indicated as a stress busting herb. Because Panax Ginseng is stimulating and helps buffer the cycle of stress, it stands out as an excellent tonic for the modern lifestyle. In Chinese medicine it is used as a tonic for the whole body system in times of weakness, fatigue and stress.
Lion's Mane Mushroom has a long history in East Asia of being used to naturally strengthen the life force.
Maitake Mushrooms have been taken for centuries by the Chinese and Japanese as a traditional tonic to keep the body healthy and increase longevity.
The Moringa Tree is another tree that has been given the title of 'Tree of Life' because every part of it is so useful. For health, the Moringa Leaf is a great natural supplement being full of protein, minerals and vitamins including Vitamin B12.
There's also a very high percentage of other vitamins including vitamin C, A, D and E.
The Moringa tree is multipurpose tree that loves to grow in hot climates. In Africa it is used as an emergency food for malnourishment because it is so high in essential vitamins and minerals.
Kapikachhu / Mucuna pruriens is a well known Ayurvedic herb. It is well documented for its Aphrodisiac qualities as well as for trating Parkinsons Disease and a range of other conditions.
Mucuna / Kapikachhu has an interesting range of unusual phyto-chemicals including l-dopa.
Oyster Mushrooms have been taken for centuries in China as a means of extending life.
The Reishi mushroom is one of the most valued plants in traditional Chinese medicine, and is described with Ginseng as one of the two most important elixirs.
Rhodiola Rosea optimises the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body, meaning reduced stress levels and fatigue as well as increased mental and physical performance.
Schizandra is documented in early Chinese texts as a superior herb capable of promoting overall well-being and enhancing bodily vitality.
Shiitake Mushrooms have traditionally been taken to keep the body healthy in order to live a longer, more healthy life.
In China it has an ancient reputation as a LOVE POTION. This is probably because of it's capacity to boost physical endurance, create stamina and endless energy in the user.
It helps the body adapt to an extreme environment and fight stress, in the form of exhaustion and physical overwhelm. As an aphrodisiac it stimulates the bodies wellbeing by sooth the over-adrenalised burn out experience and encourages stamina and strength.
Siberian ginseng stimulates the bodies natural stamina and physical prowess during love making.
Triphala is a very widely used blend of three fruit powders and is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine.
Triphala is from the Rasayan (rejuvenation) branch of Ayurveda said to engender a youthfulness to both physical and mental health and increase happiness.
