All living creatures undergo aging since it is an inevitable biological process. However, for some people, aging is something that they must alleviate. Hence, they try and depend on all kinds of products, treatments, and practices that can delay the aging signs. For instance, people have searched for herbs with anti-aging powers and turn them into potential ingredients in the cosmetic world.
Do you want to look and feel youthful again? If so, check out these ten useful herbs proven to delay the aging signs.
Anti-Aging Remedies: 10 Herbs That Will Make You Look Younger
Here are the ten herbs that will not only keep you healthy but will also make you look and feel as if you have never aged a day.
1. Ginseng
Ginseng, an herbal root, is an ancient remedy to aging problems. Moreover, its ginsenosides have also shown promising anti-aging effects on the skin. According to some studies, the antioxidants of ginseng, specifically red ginseng, can mitigate skin wrinkling. Ginsenosides also have anti-UV properties that can prevent skin aging.
Moreover, ginseng has also been studied to be an instigator to dermal cell proliferation. Ginseng helps the hair follicles to grow faster and more robust. Hence, ginseng also becomes a potential remedy to hair shedding and hair loss problems.
2. Green Tea
In most Asian countries, green tea is considered a natural remedy to various health issues and illnesses. Based on studies, green tea contains catechins and polyphenols that fight oxidative stress, thereby slowing down the aging process. Its antioxidant properties are also well-known for helping women mitigate the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and saggy skin. Besides improving skin health, green tea’s epigallocatechin (EGC) can also protect you against DHT-induced hair loss. What is even more interesting is that you can brew green tea leaves and drink them to reap the anti-aging benefits. You can also rinse your hair with steeped green tea leaves to keep your hair shiny, soft, and hydrated.
3. Horsetail
For those who do not know, horsetail is also another anti-aging herbal medicine. It is said to have some anti-hair loss and skin-tightening properties that are rooted in its silicon content. Studies show that this trace mineral can strengthen hair fibers, preventing strand breakage and hair fall problems. Silicon also tightens pores, sealing your skin to prevent moisture loss. As a result, you can prevent skin dryness, a common trigger to skin aging problems.
4. Basil
Herbs are also staples in household kitchens, and one of them is the basil plant. Its leaves are known for having a zesty aroma, making it a perfect garnish and flavoring to various cuisines. However, basil does more than making your meals delicious. Basil leaves also have anti-aging properties that can leave women wanting for more. According to studies, basil’s antioxidants can inhibit the development of cancer cells. It can also protect your skin cells and collagen against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, thereby maintaining skin elasticity and melanin content.
5. Oregano
Oregano, another kitchen staple, is not only famous for its earthy flavoring but has also become a superfood because of its antioxidants. This mint herb’s antimicrobial and antifungal properties make it a healthy ingredient for hair-and-scalp products. Specifically, oregano oil can be used to eliminate dandruff problems and make your hair more salubrious than ever. Oregano also contains flavonoids that strengthen your skin’s cellular structure by fortifying the collagen production on your skin.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is also both a cooking and a medicinal wonder. Thanks to its zesty and woody flavor, it has been used to season your favorite cuisines. Furthermore, its leaves are also extracted to obtain rosemary oil that is often an ingredient in cosmetic and hair care products. Rosemary oil has been well-known for improving blood circulation, allowing more nutrients to circulate and nourish your skin cells. You can also apply a few drops of rosemary oil to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
7. Thyme
The culinary herb thyme is also one of the promising plants that can delay the appearance of aging signs. Thyme’s leaves, flowers, and extract are rich in thymol, a type of phenol known to improve skin condition. Its antimicrobial properties help reduce skin inflammations, making it an effective acne treatment. Thyme also has vitamin C, an essential nutrient for encouraging healthy collagen production and inhibiting free radical damage.
8. Ginkgo
Gingko Biloba or maidenhair tree is an ancient herbal medicine known to remediate various diseases. Moreover, its leaf extract has also been long studied for its anti-aging properties. A group of Chinese researchers has discovered that its flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin, can eradicate free radical activities. Ginkgo’s antioxidants also help reduce skin wrinkling and collagen destruction, thereby mitigating some visible signs of skin aging.
9. Clary Sage
Clary or clary sage is a flowering plant that holds essential health benefits. Its oil isn’t just limited to being a natural fragrance; clary sage oil is also used for treating skin-related issues. Its antioxidants are said to help prevent collagen damage, making it an effective ingredient against wrinkle formation on the skin. Clary sage oil also stands by its name. “Clary” means “clear” and its antimicrobial components can help prevent an acne breakout, thereby preserving your clear and fresh skin.
10. Cilantro
Cilantro, the collective term for Coriandrum sativum’s leaves and stalk, is another chef’s favorite. Besides enhancing every meal’s flavors, cilantro is also an edible source of vitamins A and K. Moreover, cilantro also has unique properties that can delay the signs of aging, such as hair fall. Cilantro leaves also have anti-inflammatory qualities that can also protect your scalp health.
Harvest What You Sow: How Can You Obtain Your Herb's Anti-Aging Benefits?
Learn how to reap the benefits of these potential anti-aging herbs.
1. Include the culinary herbs in your everyday diet.
Doing this step is easy-peasy since most of these herbs are kitchen staples; all are edible and used for seasoning foods. You can chop herbs such as oregano, cilantro, basil, thyme and rosemary and use them as garnishes. They are not only packed with flavors but are also loaded with hair and skin nutrients.
2. Incorporate herbal oils in your hair care arsenal.
Some herbs are also made into hair oils that you can incorporate into your hair care routine. For instance, oregano oil’s antibacterial properties would best help those with dandruff problems, while basil oil helps jumpstart faster hair growth. Not only are they healthy, but most herbal hair oils are safe and toxic-free. Hair oils are also moisturizing in nature, which you can use to lock in moisture and condition every hair strand.
3. Wash your hair with herbal hair growth shampoos and conditioners.
It would be best to get the most out of the hair growth nutrients in herbs. You can do that by using herbal hair growth shampoos and conditioners to maximize all means of absorbing the herbs’ nutrients. You can either use store-bought shampoos and conditioning products or use the herbs to customize your current hair growth products.
4. Steep the herbs and use them to rinse your hair.
You can also use these herbal leaves to soak and rinse your hair. This hair hack not only helps get rid of your hair’s greasiness but also stabilizes your sebum’s pH levels, seals cracked hair cuticles, and keeps your hair more lustrous. Plus, hair rinsing can be done even in the comfort of your home. Hence, if you still have spare herbal leaves, don’t throw them away yet. You can air-dry or sun-dry them first before steeping them in hot water. Let the liquid cool down first before using it to rinse your hair after shampooing.
5. Take herbal supplements for nutrient absorption.
If it isn’t possible to have fresh stocks of those herbs, opt to look for an all-in-one herbal supplement that can sustain you with vitamins and minerals for skin improvement and hair growth. Herbal supplements may also contain nutrients that can benefit the other organs in your body. But make sure that these supplements are safe and won’t cause unwanted side effects.
Don't Let Your Age Become More Than a Number.
Age is just a number. However, if you don't take good care of your health and physical appearance, you might look older than your actual age. Various rigors can also affect your hair's quality and age your hair strands, which is why you need to protect them at all costs. So, what are you waiting for? Jump-start your hair care routine by applying only the best herbal hair growth products to your hair. If you do these steps, you can increase your hair's vigor and mitigate the appearance of aging simultaneously.
Use Herbal Shampoo to Fight and Prevent Hair Fall.
Hair falling out of your head is one of the early manifestations of aging problems. When left unattended, hair fall can worsen and fall into a hair loss problem. Prevent this aging sign from affecting your youthful appearance by using the best shampoo for hair loss with hair-strengthening properties. Don’t forget to use hair growth conditioners, serums, and oils to add up your hair's moisture content.