There are many opinions as to whether aging is a natural function of the human body or it is unnatural and preventable.  People are resorting to questionable hormones and dangerous surgeries in order to prevent and eliminate the signs of aging, which is seen as a dreaded, dark and hostile enemy signaling the end of youth and of usefulness.  I can’t help but speculate on how much of this anti-aging “crisis” is largely media hype and profiteering, capitalizing on our fears of aging, and ultimately our fear of the death of the physical body we’ve become so attached to. 

While the debate on the nature of aging will go on endlessly, there is much information on prevention available to those who prefer to stay active and youthful for as long as they can.  Dr. Andrew Weil mirrors my deepest beliefs on this matter in his Guide to Optimum Health when he explains that ideally one would remain healthy and active as long as possible and that the period of ill health at the end of life, the period of morbidity, would be reduced to a short duration.   I prefer to refer to the topic as healthy aging, not anti-aging, which is a negative thought, certain to create a lower vibration, which is certain to create further stress, illness and biological aging.  In fact, biologically we can be seen to begin aging even before conception, so to be anti-aging seems to be anti-life. 

Authors Evans and Rosenberg list in their book Biomarkers: The 10 Determinants of Aging You Can Control what they believe are the biomarkers associated with the process of aging.  They include reduced flexibility and strength, decreased cardiovascular endurance, increased body fat, reduced resting energy expenditure, reduced kidney clearance, reduced cell-mediated immunity, increased hearing threshold, reduced close vision and dark accommodation, reduced taste and smell sensitivity, altered hormone levels and increased auto-antibodies, plus there is also reduced memory and ability to concentrate.

Studies have shown that while genetics plays an important role in health and longevity, our environmental influences have more of an effect.  This is especially true for people who have sustained regular physical activity all their lives, and remained socially and intellectually connected throughout their lives.  Staying active physically and mentally stimulates the brain cells to regenerate, create new neurons and connections.  There is mounting evidence that keeping your mind active, learning new things, exercising your brain, helps to prevent Alzheimer’s.    Staying connected to the world around you, in events, sports, movies and social engagements can lower the risk of depression.  

The Okinawans are fortunate to live in a society that includes their older members in community work and events, as compared to our society which generally disregards and excludes them. This social involvement is one of the key components of the healthy aging lifestyle.  The Okinawans, who only partly resemble the other Japanese genetically, with Southeast Asian genes as well, have the largest number of centenarians in the world.  This is supported by documentation of birth records.  They have a lifestyle that produces abundant good health and longevity, consuming one half the salt and more pork and tofu than the other Japanese populations, and have a heavily plant-based diet that includes a great quantity of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood.   Dr. Weil mentions they consume a large quantity of bitter melon, known to reduce blood sugar.  They also consume a cold tea of Turmeric which has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lifestyle choices that support good health and healthy aging must start with adopting attitudes of acceptance and gratitude.  Acceptance and gratitude are key to joy, peace, and happiness.  Individuals that are more optimistic and positive have a much lower rate of depression, a common health condition of the elderly.    If we understand that our thoughts are energy and affect our physical body then negative thoughts such as anger, hate, envy, pessimism, could accelerate the aging process.

Developing daily routines provides a framework for an orderly and peaceful life.  Dr. Vasant Lad in his book entitled Ayurveda, the Science of Self-Healing, explains that in the Ayurvedic tradition, routines play a very important role in maintaining good health.  He describes a daily routine of rising early in the morning, a cleansing routine, an examination of the tongue, eyes, nose and throat.  Then the tongue is examined for signs of pathological changes in the organs.  One should then drink a glass of warm water to cleanse the kidneys and large intestine, and cleanse the tongue with a silver scraper.  This is followed by a body massage with oil and a bath.  After the bath one dresses, exercises, meditates and does Pranayama breathing exercises. After exercises and meditation one would have breakfast.  The mid day meal is taken before 12:00 noon, and the final meal of the day taken before sunset.  It is recommended that bedtime be before 10:00pm.

Age-related diseases are often due to nutrient deficiencies that weaken our immune system.  Immune deficiency states can make us more susceptible to infections and tumors and immune over-activity can make us vulnerable to unnecessary inflammation and tissue destruction.  As we age we begin to suffer from the effects of chronic stress, auto-immune disorders, depression, hypertension, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, macular degeneration, cancers and heart conditions of many kinds that are mostly preventable with diet and lifestyle changes.   To be successful at changing behaviors the changes must be based on the individual taking responsibility and making a personal commitment to good health, to making healthy choices.  We have free will, and it is up to each of us to use it wisely.

Stressful relationships and situations should be reconsidered and possibly eliminated altogether.   Re-design and simplify your life to be the one you desire.  Doing so reduces stress, which reduces production of the harmful stress hormone cortisol, known to have a direct toxic effect on the brain, causing loss of brain cells.    Yoga and Meditation are excellent ways to reduce stress, maintain flexibility, enhance fitness and elevate your sense of emotional and spiritual well-being.  Qi Gong and Tai Chi are excellent ways to reduce stress and stay fit and flexible while balancing your vital energy, unblocking stagnant energy, which are the cause of pain and disease.  

Simple activities such as walking 30 to 45 minutes each day can provide enough exercise to maintain good health.  Keep moving throughout each day, participating in activities you enjoy to maintain optimum function as well as mental and psychological health.   Forty five minutes of exercise done three times per week has been found to significantly improve concentration due to increased blood circulation. 

Two of the most important choices to support healthy aging are eliminating smoking and drinking alcohol.  Carcinogens cause the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells.  Radiation, viruses and certain harmful chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, tobacco, and alcohol are the most common causes of cancer

Get adequate sleep and good nutrition.  Sleep should be a regular routine, with at least 8 hours per night to allow the body time to rejuvenate.  5-HTP and Melatonin are safe nutrients that help with insomnia.  Chamomile, Hops, and Lemon Balm are very good herbal teas to take in the evening to promote restful sleep. 

Clean air, adequate clean water and sunlight are essential to good health.  Consume a diet largely consisting of whole fresh organic foods and whole grains, with healthy protein choices.  Take a good quality multi-vitamin as insurance and use herbal remedies whenever an illness occurs.  Avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners, processed foods that contain chemical additives such as preservatives and dyes.  Be very cautious about drugs, avoid heavy metals and environmental toxins, use only natural cleaning products in your laundry and home.  Always use safe sex practices.  Have regular medical checkups and take all precautions to live a safe life, to avoid injuries that may cause you pain as you age. 

Traditional herbal remedies have been in use for thousands of years, to support longevity and prevent or provide relief from many of the health conditions commonly considered to be age-related.  The focus of the herbal recommendations made herein will be based on formulas proven to increase longevity by supporting the immune system, from the Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions, however these are also commonly found in use in Western Herbalism. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have for a long time used a group of tonic herbs known as Fu zheng for strengthening the whole organism.  The herbs in these formulas are from a category of Qi tonics.  Qi tonics strengthen digestion, restore energy, generate fluids and build up the blood.  The primary herbs in this group are Astragalus root, Ganoderma mushroom, Codonopsis, White atractylodes, Honey-fried Licorice root and Ginseng root.  These are particularly useful to strengthen the immune system and are helpful for immune deficiency problems like HIV and cancer.  Physicians at the University of Kansas Medical Center performed extensive screenings of the Fu zheng formulas and selected one called “Shi Quan Da Gu Tang” or “Ten Significant Great Herb Tonic” combining Astragalus and nine others as a potent biological response modifier.  The formula contains Ginseng root (ren shen)6-9 grams, White atractylodes rhizome (bai zhu) 9- grams, Poria mushroom (fu ling) 12-15 grams, Honey-fried Licorice root (zhi gan cao) 3-6 grams, cooked Rehmannia root (shu di huang) 15-18 grams, White Peony root (bai shao) 12-15 grams, Dang gui root (Angelica sinensis) 12-15 grams, Chuan xiong rhizome (Ligusticum chuanxiong) 6-9 grams, Cinnamon bark (rou gui) 6-9 grams and Astraglus root (huang qi) 15-18 grams.  The formula was found to have extremely low toxicity while having very strong immunomodulatory and immunopotentaiting effects  by stimulating immune blood factors and interleukin production. 

Ayurveda is truly a holistic approach to longevity.  The belief is that the balance of Prana, Ojas and Tejus is vital to longevity.  First, the physical body must go through a rejuvenation process, necessary to restore balance among the three doshas, the dhatus and three malas.  The body must be cleansed from the inside using the methods of Pancha Karma.  Mental balance is restored by practicing meditation, until one learns to be in the world but not of the world, a detached observer.  Detached observation creates natural longevity.   Practicing the Yoga, Pranayama and Tantra disciplines brings spiritual and physical freedom.  Yoga is a preventative, curative measure to good health which brings tranquility, which brings equilibrium. 

In Ayurvedic herbalism rejuvenating medicines are termed Rasayana Tantra.  The primary tonic herbs in this category are Pueraria tuber (Pueraria lobata), Shilajatu, Licorice root, Long pepper, Gotu kola, Guggul gum, Amla fruit, Vibhitaki fruit, Ashwaganda root, Guduchi stem, Bala,  Haritaki fruit, Gokshura fruit, Aguru wood, Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and Hastikarnapalasa (Butea monosperma).  Some of the best known Ayurvedic tonics are Chayavanaprash (Chayavana Rasayana), Amlaka Rasayana, Nagabala Rasayana, Shilajatu Rasayana and Guggul Rasayana.  Scientists at the Ayurvedic research Centre in Mumbai, India evaluated the adaptogenic potential of six of the above Rasayana herbs and found the plants gave protection against a variety of biological, physical and chemical stressors, indicated by markers of stress responses.  The following is a list of common medicinal herbs used in Ayurveda from Dr. Vasant Lad’s book Ayurveda, the Science of Self-healing. 

Alfalfa is astringent, bitter, anti-inflammatory, cleanses toxins from large intestine. 

Aloe Vera is a tonic for the liver and organs aiding in digestion.  It helps balance the tridoshas, is a blood purifier and mild laxative. 

Asafoetida is a gum extract from a tree which helps digestion enkindles Agni , removes toxins and relieves pain. 

Ashwagandha is sedative and astringent, the primary strengthening tonic in Ayurveda.

Calmus Root is hot and penetrating, an expectorant and emetic.  It acts on the higher cerebral functions, brain tissue and brings clarity to consciousness, promotes memory.

Cardamom is aromatic and stimulating, enkindles digestive fire, strengthens heart and lungs,   sharpens the mind and opens the breathing.

Castor Oil is anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory, which makes it a natural pain reliever and laxative. 

Cayenne rekindles the digestive fire enhances circulation, destroys worms and parasites, has a cleansing action on the large intestine and sweat glands.

Cinnamon, is aromatic and antiseptic, a good detoxification herb, strengthens energies and tissues, and enkindles Agni.

Coriander aids digestion, is aromatic and stimulating.

Cumin is aromatic, slightly bitter, aids in secretion of digestive juices.

Garlic is anti-rheumatic and rekindles Agni.

Ginger is stimulant and carminative, enkindles Agni, and neutralizes toxins, aids digestion, absorption and assimilation of food.  When applied externally to joints and muscles it relieves pain by causing stagnant energy to be released.

Gotu kola stimulates brain tissue and is an effective aid for developing memory and intelligence, expands understanding and consciousness.

Guggula clears channels, circulates Chi and blood, the most potent remedy against accumulation of cholesterol, and materials associated with the aging process.

Licorice is sweet and slightly astringent.  When made into a medicated oil with ghee it used for diabetes, bronchitis and asthma.  As a tea it aids with inflammation of the gallbladder.

Mustard is analgesic and carminative, enkindles Agni and neutralizes toxins.

Nutmeg is a tonic for the heart and brain when taken with milk, is a relaxant, helpful with insomnia, effective in treating lack of control over urination, general weakness, and loss of appetite, liver and spleen disorders.

Onion  is pungent and aromatic, an inhalation can relieve dizziness and faintness, a good heart tonic, reduces cholesterol, destroys parasitic worms.

Black Pepper enkindles Agni, increases secretion of digestive juices.

Turmeric is aromatic and stimulant, a good blood purifier, digestive tonic, anti-rheumatic and antibacterial, aids in digestion of proteins, helps maintain healthy flora of the large intestine, anti-inflammatory and helpful in treatment of diabetes, if taken at dosage of four to five 00 capsules after a meal it will return blood sugar to normal.

Yellowdock is laxative and anti-inflammatory, purifies the blood and may be used for arthritis symptoms.

We are fortunate to have an abundance of mind/body and energy medicine, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements available to us.   People have shifted their focus to living healthier and living longer.  Globally, very significant numbers are practicing Meditation, Pranayama, Yoga and exploring their spirituality.  We’re seeing the re-emergence of traditional natural medicines and ancient methods of healing, and a blossoming of higher awareness of the natural world and the abundance around us. I’m very optimistic about the future of natural medicine and holistic practices. 

Bibliography

1.      Hoffmann, David FNIMH AGH, Medical Herbalism, 2003, Healing Arts Press, One Park Street, Rochester, Vermont 05767.

2.      Tierra, Dr. Michael, CA, ND, OMD, Planetary Herbology, 1992, Lotus Press, PO Box 325 Twin Lakes, Wi, 53181.

3.      Frawley, Dr. David, and Lad, Dr. Vasant, The Yoga of Herbs An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, 2001, Lotus Press, PO Box 325 Twin Lakes, Wi, 53181.

4.      Lad, Dr. Vasant, Ayurveda The Science of Self-Healing, 1990, Lotus Press, PO Box 325 Twin Lakes, Wi, 53181.

5.      Weil, Dr. Andrew, Healthy Aging, 2005, Random House Inc., New York,

6.      Schoffro Cook, Michelle, NDM, DAC, CNC, The Ultimate pH Solution, 2008, Harper Collins Publishers Ltd., 2 Bloor Street, 20^th Floor, Toronto, OPnctrio, Canada, M4W 1A8

7.      Weil, Dr. Andrew, Guide to Optimum Health, 2002, Thorne Communications, Inc., Sounds True, PO Box 8010, Boulder Colorado., London, W1P 1HF

8.      Tillotson, Alan Keith, PhD, AHG, D.Ay, The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook, Kensington Publishing, 850 Third Street, New York NY 10022.

Moira Khouri