Anti-aging herbs

Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, Jul 2001

Opinion

Master herbalist Matthew Alfs works for Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota and is the author of a recently published book on edible and medicinal wild plants.1 He also recommends a book on herbs written specifically for the older patient: An Elder's Herbal, by David Hoffmann, an herbalist from the British Isles. In the following segment, Alfs offers his insights and perspective into the role of herbs in slowing or easing the aging process:

Memory Loss

Most people know about ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) because of all the press it gets. But lesser-known herbs that can powerfully aid the memory include periwinkle (Vinca minor) and gotu kola (Centella asiatica). Periwinkle helps in much the same way as ginkgo-by increasing blood supply to the brain. To some extent, gotu kola does this, too, but it also helps in another way-by strengthening the nervous system itself. This plant is known in herbal medicine as an adaptogen, and it enhances and nourishes the connection among the brain, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. It is also a good herb for skin problems and connective-tissue afflictions of almost any kind.

Osteoporosis

Many people turn to encapsulated minerals from health food stores, drugstores, or discount stores to offset bone loss. However, a combination of mineral-rich herbs, such as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale), horsetail (Equisetum arvense), and peppergrass (Lepidium spp.) in encapsulated form can often be of greater aid in view of the better bioavailability of these herbs over the usual encapsulated minerals. (Peppergrass is difficult to find on the market, but substitute fresh garden cress - Lepidium sativum - as a salad ingredient.)

Please note that these herbs should not be used in tincture form for this purpose because tinctures are low in minerals (unless they are prepared from burnt herbs, which only a couple of the many companies that market tinctures do today). Teas are normally low in minerals as well, unless they are steeped for many hours. Thus, capsules are best in this instance.

Painful Joints

Standard NSAIDS, which many senior citizens rely on to deal with the pain of deteriorating joints, can actually prevent the healing of joints or even worsen them, according to three published studies from 1982 to 1993.(1) Some of these also increase the risk of bleeding from the stomach or can be toxic to the liver when used in excess. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory herbs, such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), boswellia [Indian frankincense] (Boswellia serrata), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), and devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), can often bring relief from pain without these negative side effects. How does one choose among them? A simple solution is to buy a combination, which can be found in certain formulas designed for joint support. As for individual indications, however, ginger and/or turmeric are best if there is poor circulation and a feeling of cold. Feverfew is preferred if the person is more "yang" than "yin" (i.e., has signs of excess such as: vexation and agitation, a forceful pulse, a bitter taste in the mouth or throat, feeling warm and having an aversion to heat, and perhaps even being prone to vasodilated headaches). Devil's claw is the herb of choice if the joint deterioration is most prominent in the back, and there is accompanying digestive deterioration, such as low stomach acid or difficulty digesting fats, often manifesting as skin problems.

Digestion

As we age, we lose the ability to produce the level of gastric juice and enzymes that we did when we were younger. We may even begin to lose our appetite. However, bitter herbs can often be of help by stimulating the digestive processes and, thereby, the appetite. A combination of these can be purchased in the form of tinctures at better health-food stores, or even at some liquor stores, as "bitters." Europeans have long appreciated their value, often stopping off at the local tavern for a "shot" of bitters before going home for a large meal. But Americans tend to shy away from them, to their own disadvantage and even harm, especially since we eat so little food that is truly bitter. For those with sluggish digestion, though, a dropper or so of bitters 5 to 20 minutes before a moderate or heavy meal can often markedly help improve digestion. (Bitters are contraindicated, however, with an active ulcer or acute gastritis.) Alternately, one can purchase a bag of "mixed greens" (not merely lettuce, which is not bitter enough) at the supermarket and munch on these before a meal, not using any sort of dressing except for vinegar (if that is even necessary). When digestion is enhanced, mineral absorption is improved, benefiting conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, and poor muscle tone and elasticity.

Contraindications: Herbs and Medicines

Of course, certain herbs can interact with certain drugs, even as certain foods and certain drugs can interact. Especially of concern here are: