The topic for this week may not be of
interest to the majority of you ... or maybe it will. Having no indication
of your ages, we can only assume that most of you are in your thirties and
forties. The number of you approaching "old age" is unknown to us. "Old age"
is a term that I don't like to use. The Chinese call it "third age" and I
like that term a lot better.
THIRD AGE (OLD AGE)
When a person reaches their late fifties,
it is said that the "fire" begins to fade. The Chinese call it "qi" meaning
human vitality. We have seen examples of people in their "old age" who still
have lots of fire-in-the-furnace and we have seen "young" people who look
and act old. Some "old" people could run circles around them. Personally,
I had trouble keeping up with my grandmother even when she reached her
eighties.
To me, age is not a matter of years.
It is a matter of health and attitude. Barring serious illness, age could be
a moot subject when considering physical and mental capabilities.
WHEN DID THIS WRINKLE GET HERE?
They say that as you get older you
lose two things. Memory is the first thing and I can't remember the second!
Ahahaha! That's the "oldest" joke in the world, but there could be some
truth to it. After the initial shock of seeing wrinkles appear, other
telltale signs start to show up like failing memory, weakened digestion,
poor circulation, weakened metabolism, lessened agility, etc. Eeek!!!
When did this happen? Last night?
GROW "OLD" GRACEFULLY
Instead of looking up the number
of the nearest cosmetic surgeon, embrace your years with earned dignity.
Nothing looks as silly as men and women trying to appear to be 20-30 years
younger. What are they ashamed of and who do they think they're
kidding?
Vitality and health, on the other
hand, is an admirable goal at any age. Beauty may only be skin deep, but
vitality and health are not.
HERBAL ELIXIRS
Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree, Bai Guo
(Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgoaceae) is thought to be the "oldest" tree on the
planet. Its primary key action is circulatory stimulant and tonic. Research
has shown that it improves poor cerebral circulation, aiding memory and
concentration, and that it is one of the most useful herbs for the
treatment of senile dementia. Ginkgo leaves maintain good circulation
to the head and brain, and improve energy levels. Circulation other
than cerebral is also improved, aiding in lowering high blood pressure
and arteriosclerosis. Evidence further suggests that this herb may reduce
the risk of a stroke. Other key actions are; antiasthmatic, antispasmodic,
antiallergenic, and anti-inflammatory. Ginkgo needs to be taken for at
least three months before there is any noticeable improvement. Tablet or
capsule form is the most popular method, but tinctures and fluid extracts
of the leaves are also used. The seeds (with husks removed) are useful for
urinary problems, vaginal discharge, asthma, and wheezing. (The leaves
are also efficacious for asthma.)
Ginseng (Panax ginseng),
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), and Siberian Ginseng
(Eleutherococcus senticosus) are adaptogenic and tonic. These terms
mean that the herb will help the body adapt to stress, support the
normal functions, and exert a restorative or nourishing action on the
body. Ginseng is excellent for maintaining or restoring vitality during
stressful events such as moving. It is used as an aphrodisiac for both
males and females. It is often overused in the West and should not be
taken for long periods of time. Take 1 g 1-2 times a day for up to 3
months. Wait 3-4 weeks between intervals. The fresh or dried root can be
chewed, cooked in a soup, or taken in capsule form. If ginseng is too
stimulating, take 3 g of codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula) in the same
way as ginseng.
Withania, Ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera) has been called "Indian ginseng" because it is used much the
same way as ginseng in Ayurvedic medicine. (See ginseng above) Take 1 g
of the root 2-3 times a day, either by chewing it or chopping it and mixing
with a little water.
Rehmannia, Chinese Foxglove,
Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa - Scrophulariaceae) is called a "longevity"
herb. It is a traditional and valuable tonic for "old age." It is used to
increase metabolism and to help prevent senility. Clinical trials in China
have shown it prevents liver damage and is effective in treating hepatitis.
Trials have also indicated that it regulates blood pressure and lowers blood
cholesterol levels, and may also be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
The raw root (sheng di huang) is used as a "cooling" remedy for fever conditions
and appears to raise blood pressure. The cooked root (shu di huang) is used
as a "warming" remedy and appears to lower blood pressure. Traditionally,
the root is chewed raw (sheng di huang) or simmered in red wine (shu di huang).
The former is the most commonly used. Chew 5 g of the raw root 1-3 times
a day, or make a decoction with 5 g of root to 250 ml of water or red wine
and take 1-3 times a day. Capsules can be filled with ground root,
raw or cooked.
Gentian (Gentiana lutea - Gentianaceae)
is an essential ingredient in traditional aperitifs and bitters such as
Angostura bitters. It strengthens a weak or underactive digestive system.
Many mixologists (bartenders) recommend bitters and soda for indigestion,
but few know that this herb is one of the reasons it works. The bitter
principles (gentiopicroside and amarogentin) in gentian improve digestive
secretions, which in turn helps to increase the absorption of nutrients
across the gut wall including iron and vitamin B12. It is useful for
iron-deficiency anemia and is an excellent digestive tonic in "old age."
Take 5-10 drops of gentian tincture with water 30 minutes before eating,
3 times a day. (Do not take gentian if you suffer from acid indigestion or
a peptic ulcer.)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is very
underrated. Among its many benefits, recent research has shown it to have
antiaging and tonic properties that maintain vitality and reduce the chance
of infections. Make an infusion and drink 2-3 cups a day.
HERE I GO AGAIN!
Sticking my nose into your food
... have you had your garlic today? If I told you that it would help
reduce the affects of aging, would you promise to eat it? OK ... it will
... so eat up! Fiber, fiber, fiber, and here comes some more fiber. Oats
and buckwheat have been taking a back seat long enough. It's time to take
another look at these "old" grains.
Last week we published a food
scale that is a good reference for use from infancy through "old age."
Have you printed it out and tacked it up on the refrigerator yet? You could
make copies of it and take it grocery shopping with you, too.
A WORD TO THE WISE
Wisdom comes with age. Education
comes with learning. Combine the two and you've got something that money
can't buy. Be proud of your age especially in the mist of the young.
God knows they need someone to look up to. Let it be you!
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