Herbs
Best Herbs for Mature Women
… to Sustain Vitality and Health
As we age, maintaining vitality and health becomes paramount. Incorporating specific herbs into our daily regimen can provide us with significant health benefits.
As usual, I recommend you consult with your primary care physician before starting any vitamin or herbs regimen, and especially if you take medications that could cause unfavorable interactions.
Having said that, these are the top herbs that support longevity and wellness for us, mature women.
Ashwagandha: Combat Stress and Boost Vitality
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb renowned for its ability to reduce stress and enhance stamina. It works by modulating the body’s response to stress and anxiety, which is crucial for maintaining endocrine and keeping our reproductive organs healthy. The recommended dose for women above 40 is about 300 to 500 mg of a root extract daily, ideally taken with meals to enhance absorption.
Red Clover: Natural Menopause Relief
Red Clover is a potent herb for women transitioning through menopause. Rich in isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, Red Clover helps to balance hormone levels and alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and bone density loss. Incorporating 40 to 80 mg of Red Clover extract daily can help mitigate these symptoms effectively.
Ginkgo Biloba: Enhance Cognitive Function
Ginkgo Biloba has been widely studied for its benefits in improving cognitive function and blood circulation. For mature women, Ginkgo serves not only to enhance memory and focus but also to promote healthy blood flow, crucial for brain health. A daily intake of 120 mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract is recommended to reap its cognitive benefits.
Turmeric: A Great Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory agent, known for its active component, curcumin, which effectively reduces inflammation and is beneficial in treating conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption can help combat chronic inflammation, which is a precursor to many diseases that can develop as we get older. About 500 mg of curcumin per day, paired with black pepper -which contains piperine to enhance absorption- is beneficial.
Milk Thistle: Liver Health and Detoxification
Milk Thistle is essential for liver health, aiding detoxification processes that are vital as the body ages. The active ingredient, silymarin, not only protects the liver cells but also promotes liver regeneration. For optimal liver support, 140 mg of Milk Thistle taken twice daily is the recommended dosage.
Ginseng: Revitalize Energy Levels
Ginseng is another excellent herb for boosting energy and supporting immune function. Particularly, Panax ginseng can significantly enhance physical and mental energy levels, which tend to decline with age. Taking 200 to 400 mg daily can help maintain these energy levels and overall vitality.
Holy Basil: Stress Relief and Metabolic Health
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is not just a staple in herbal medicine but also a powerful adaptogen, enhancing the body’s ability to resist stress. It’s particularly helpful for blood sugar regulation—a common concern among mature women and those suffering from T2 diabetes. Around 300 mg of Holy Basil extract per day can effectively promote metabolic health and stress relief.
Black Cohosh: Symptom Management in Menopause
Black Cohosh is frequently used to manage menopausal symptoms, including mood swings and sleep disturbances. It acts somewhat like estrogen in the body, though it’s a safer alternative to hormone replacement therapy for many women. A typical dose includes 20 to 40 mg twice daily.
St. John’s Wort: Mood Enhancer
St. John’s Wort is primarily known for its antidepressant effects. It can be particularly helpful for managing mood swings associated with hormonal changes as we age. Caution is advised to avoid interaction with other medications, with a recommended dose of around 300 mg three times daily, standardized to 0.3% hypericin.
Dandelion: Digestive and Kidney Health
Dandelion is rich in vitamins and minerals and acts as a gentle diuretic to aid kidney function. It also supports liver detoxification and digestive health. Consuming 500 mg of Dandelion root extract daily can significantly support these functions.
When you incorporate these herbs into your daily health regimen you can profoundly impact your vitality and well-being. Each herb offers you unique benefits, from hormonal balance and cognitive support to stress relief and inflammatory control. By choosing the right herbs, we can enjoy a holistic approach to maintaining health and prolonging vitality as we age. Again, please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure these herbs align with your health needs and don’t interact with your current medications, if any.