StemCell Therapy

Ageing is inevitable at least for now. As we get older, we become increasingly aware of the importance of healthy life choices to prevent disease and promote wellbeing.

We can do this through good eating and exercise, but we can also enhance our wellbeing with the use of herbs.

HERBS TO HELP DIGESTION

Bitter herbs are useful for digestion. The bitter taste stimulates receptors in our mouth, which increases the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile, all of which contain digestive enzymes to break down our food.

Gentian and yarrow are well known bitter herbs, but those that are more easily accessible to the home gardener are rocket, dandelion greens, endive and radicchio. Eat them in a salad before your meal to aid digestion.

READ MORE:* 5 healing native herbs and how to grow them*The science behind super-herb,mnuka*Kawakawa: herbal healing from the bush*Herbs to help you combat stress & anxiety* 10 reasons to grow sage

ACHIM, DEIMLING-OSTRINSKY/STOCKF

Dandelion, sorrel, rock and watercress.

Hepatic herbs are herbs that aid the liver. Oneof particular value is milk thistle (Silybummarianum), its active constituent beingsilymarin.

Silymarin acts as an antioxidant. Studies have also shown thatsilymarinhas significantly increased the life expectancy of individuals with liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Silybum marianum is a pest plant in New Zealand, so supplements are necessary, but this herb may be very useful for healthy ageing, as our liver function declines.

To help soothe the stomach, demulcent herbs those rich in mucilage are effective. When infused in cold water, the mucilaginous gel lines the gut and formsa protective film, cushioning it from irritants, reducing muscle spasms, and helping to soothe inflamed tissues. Demulcents are useful for inflammatory conditions such as gastritis, enteritis, ileitis and colitis.

How to make the perfect cup of herbal tea.

Slippery elm, marshmallow root and liquorice are excellent demulcents that soothe the gastrointestinal tract if inflammation is present.

Hoheria, a New Zealand native plant, also acts as a demulcent.

To lower inflammation further, herbs such as chamomile (my favourite) and lemon balm are helpful. These can be made into a tea to be sipped on throughout the day. Slippery elm may decrease the absorption of medications, so take it at least two hours before or after taking medications.

1 of 10FISFRA/123RF

Thyme has an essential oil, thymol, an antiseptic that can help ward off colds and flu, and soothe sore throats. It's also used in commercial mouthwashes. Try thyme for relieving colds, sore throats and coughs as well as to help clear mucus in the upper respiratory tract. It has also long been used to relieve tonsillitis and inflammation of the mouth. Combine it with sage to make a gargle at the first sign of a sore throat or to alleviate coughs. Use 3-12g of dried thyme each day; infuse in freshly boiled water and drink during the day, or use to gargle. In the garden, thyme likes a sunny spot in free-draining soil.

2 of 10LUCIAN MILASAN/123RF

German chamomile is well known for its healing properties. Its gentle nature makes it useful for treating a wide range of childhood complaints, including restlessness, teething and colic. Adults, too, can enjoy a cup of chamomile tea to ease stress, anxiety and irritability. Chamomile has sedative properties, but it's also antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. It can be used in salves or compresses to soothe sores, rashes and other skin conditions, or in steam baths to calm nerves, clear congestion, alleviate bronchitis, sinusitis and hayfever. Just steep a handful of dried chamomile in a bowl with boiling water, put your head over the bowl and cover with a towel. In the garden, chamomile prefers an open, sunny area but will grow in part shade. Harvest flowers when just or very nearly opened. If left on the plant too long, they will taste bitter.

3 of 10ZIGZAGMTART/123RF

Peppermint has a wide variety of medicinal uses, but it's especially good for gut and bowel problems as it helps expel gas and stop gas build-up. It's also used to treat headaches, nausea, morning sickness, diarrhoea, and anxiety associated with depression. Make a herbal steam inhalation to help clear congestion and soothe sinus inflammation, or sup on peppermint tea for upset stomach, to aid digestion and ease anxiety. Carry sprigs of peppermint with you when travelling for sniffing, to prevent motion sickness. In the garden, peppermint is a hardy perennial that grows 30-60cm. It spreads by sending out runners, so keep it contained in large pots. Soil should be moist but free-draining. Excess moisture around the root zone can lead to fungal diseases.

4 of 10JITTA/123RF

Lemon balm has mild sedative and mood enhancing properties, and is a common home remedy to treat insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression. It is also traditionally used to ease nausea, settle an upset stomach and relieve gas. Its antiviral properties speed up the healing of cold sores. To make a relaxing tea, loosely pack a teapot with fresh leaves, add boiled water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Or make a salve as per the instructions above. You can also make a poultice from the fresh leaves to soothe sores, minor cuts and insect bites. In the garden, lemon balm is a perennial that grows 60-80cm, dying down in winter. Plant in moist, free-draining soil in sun or part shade.

5 of 10ANNO GRATYS/123RF

Comfrey has been used for centuries to reduce swelling and bruising, and heal superficial wounds. Also known as knitbone, it was once thought to mend broken bones. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. To make a comfrey poultice for bruises and sprains, pick 6-7 leaves and roughly chop. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the leaves. Add enough boiling water to make a thick paste. Apply directly to the skin or spread the mixture between two layers of cotton or gauze in the size that you want your poultice to be. Apply to the skin. Wrap with cloth. Replace with a fresh poultice after a few hours. In the garden, comfrey will grow in sun or part shade, and any cut or damaged piece of root will regrow. Confine it to one area and dig in plenty of compost or aged manure.

6 of 10CARMEN RIEB/123RF

Calendula is known for its skin-healing properties. It is said to hasten cell growth, so it's seen as ideal for treating infections, abrasions, cuts, rashes, scalds and small wounds. Calendula is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and inhibits bleeding. Make a tea from the fresh or dried flowers, then soak a clean cloth in the infusion. Wring it out and place over rashes, scalds or wounds. Or make a salve. Fill a glass jar with calendula flowers (leave them to wilt for 12 hours before using), screw on the lid and put the jar in a warm room out of sunlight for 4-6 weeks. Turn the jar upside down once a day. After 6 weeks, strain. Put 100ml calendula oil and 15g beeswax in the top of a double boiler, and heat gently until the beeswax has melted. Remove from the heat and add 10-20 drops of essential oil (chamomile essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory; lavender is antimicrobial and soothes the skin). Pour into small, clean pots. In the garden, calendula likes a sunny spot in free-draining soil.

7 of 10JITTA/123RF

Sage has antifungal and antibacterial properties that have contributed to its reputation as a healing herb. It is used in tonics for sore throats, infected gums and mouth ulcers. To make a gargle, combine sage with a little cider vinegar, or honey and lemon, and steep in boiling water. Historically, sage has also been used as a tonic for the brain, and studies today show it may well be beneficial. British scientists found that sage improved the mood and memory of healthy adults, and adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's showed significant improvement in cognitive functions after using sage for four months. Sip on sage tea throughout the day to calm the nerves and stimulate the brain -- ideal for those studying for exams. Sage tea is excellent for women suffering from night sweats and hot flushes too. Combine it with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) for a potent remedy. Studies have shown the two herbs are extremely effective together. In the garden, sage likes a sunny spot in free-draining soil. Water young plants frequently until established.

8 of 10JIRI VACLAVEK/123RF

Mullein is said to be antibacterial, anodyne (relieves pain) and anti-inflammatory. Mullein leaves can be used to treat coughs. They contain mucilage, which acts as an expectorant and soothes irritated mucous membranes. Harvest leaves before the flower stems appear, bruise slightly and steep in boiled water for 10 minutes. You can also try a steam bath and inhale the steam to relieve congestion. In the garden, mullein is a biennial. It produces flowers in its second year.

9 of 10MADLLEN/123RF

Yarrow has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. It has traditionally been used to staunch bleeding, reduce fevers (it opens your pores and induces perspiration) as well as ease tight muscles and spasms. To help stop bleeding, grab a handful of leaves, rub them to release their juice and pack onto minor cuts. Or make a tea from the fresh or dried plant, soak a clean cloth in the infusion, wring it out, and put over the wound. To stop a bleeding nose, insert a bruised leaf into the nostril. When ingested, yarrow is said to help alleviate indigestion as well as stimulate bile flow and liver function. Take it at the first sign of a cold. Yarrow has astringent properties, and may help dry up and expel mucus from the respiratory system, as well as reduce inflammation in the nose and throat. To keep yarrow on hand all year round, dry leaves and flowers, and grind to a powder. In the garden, yarrow loves a sunny spot in well-drained soil.

10 of 10INGA TIHONOVA/123RF

Aloe vera is used in its raw form to treat burns, bites, blisters, cuts, ulcers, inflammation, rashes, eczema and psoriasis. The gel within the plant contains bradykinase, salicylic acid and magnesium lactate, which help reduce inflammation, pain and itching. The gel is also said to speed up wound healing, promote cell and tissue regeneration. The easiest way to use it at home is to slice open a leaf and rub the gel onto minor burns, sunburn and cuts. However, when exposed to oxygen for prolonged periods, the gel oxidises (much like an apple browns when the flesh is exposed to air) and loses its potency. Use the gel within 2-4 hours after cutting. If you only require a small amount of gel, just cut off what you need. If you've cut a whole leaf from the plant but only use a small amount, snip off what you need from the leaf and wrap the rest in clingfilm and store in the refrigerator. When it comes to using it again, cut the used end back to the undamaged tissue, then cut off another piece to use. Harvest leaves from plant that are at least three years old as the active constituents are higher in mature plants. In the garden, grow aloe in sun and protect from frosts.

CARDIO-FRIENDLY HERBS

The risk of heart disease rises with age. While herbs cannot replace fast-acting, life-saving pharmaceuticals, they may be beneficial for many of the chronic degenerative conditions that are associated with ageing.

Cardiotonic herbs are helpful. In herbal medicine, hawthorn is the number one herb for cardiovascular ailments, with the leaves, flowers and fruit all being used. Hawthorn contains powerful antioxidants, and these antioxidants may help dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow and protect coronary arteries from damage.

Studies suggest that hawthorn may help sufferersof angina, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Most studied are Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata. Crataegus oxyacantha is one of the two species medicinally recognised in European Pharmacopoeia (which provides reference standards for medicines in the continent) and is used in the treatment of numerous heart conditions, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, angina and abnormal cardiac rhythms.

If you can find a hawthorn plant with berries (they fruit in late summer to autumn), pick and dry them and use them to make a simple tea. Alternatively, use the leaves and flowers.

To make a tea, infuse up to a 1.5 to 3.5gof dried berry, leaf or flower a day (people with heart conditions who are taking medication should consult their doctor first).

HERBS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

The older we get, the more susceptible we become to disease and infection. This is because the immune system, a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to shield the body from attacks from a hostof organisms, declines in function as we age. This has the potential to generate several problems.

One such problem is the clearing away of senescent cells in the body. Senescent cells are cells that have stopped dividing but refuse to die despite programmed cell death. A function of the immune system is to hoover up these cells; if they remain behind, they cause chronic inflammation and accelerated ageing. As we get older,this process is compromised.

Enter Astragalus membranaceus. One of the mostpopular herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, it's used for a variety of purposes, including immunoregulation the control of immune responses between lymphocytes and macrophages (macrophages clean up senescent cells). But it also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, anticancer and hepatoprotective (protects the liver from damage) properties, and can increase telomerase, an enzyme that extends the telomeres of chromosomes (longer telomeres are good; shorter telomeres are associated with ageing).

So as far as beneficial herbs for ageing go, astragalusis a superstar. You can make a tincture of the dried roots or use it in teas.

And the great news is, Kings Seeds now sell astragalus seeds. This hardy plant grows best in well-drained soilin full sun. Harvest the roots in autumn after three years.

There are many herbs that support healthy ageing.Take the opportunity to explore their usefulness, and then, if you can, grow them in your own backyard so you can make use of them easily.

Go here to see the original:
Herbs to aid digestion, heart health & immune system - Stuff.co.nz

This entry was posted on November 10, 2019 at 5:41 am and is filed under Immune System. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |