In This Article
As we get older we encounter different health issues such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, and other age-related health ailments. Herbal healing has been around for centuries but is all too often bypassed as a potential treatment and replaced with pharmaceutical medication prescribed by medical professionals. It is likely that the medication that is prescribed to you will create certain side effects that may be more harmful than the pre-existing condition. Approximately 40 percent of seniors are admitted into the hospital for adverse drug reactions. You may be wondering, “If there is a herbal remedy to cure most common problems that seniors may have, how come I don’t know about it?” In this article, we will discuss how to treat senior health ailments naturally.
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of healthcare and healing. According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of the world’s population continues to use traditional herbal therapies to heal, but only one in five people in the U.S use herbal products. Herbal products are available in many different forms such as teas, tablets, tinctures, powders, original roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers. Herbs are all around us and we sometimes tend to overlook them. For example, if you were to take a stroll around your neighborhood, you would most likely come across more than 5 different types of herbs that could be used therapeutically. For seniors, these pretty flowers can be crucial to maintaining good health.
Which herbs are best for seniors
Today we will list the top 6 herbs that can be found right in the kitchen or which you can harvest from your garden!
Dandelion: Considered a “super herb” for seniors that can aid in improving bone health, osteoporosis, arthritis, detoxing the liver, improving digestion, controlling diabetes, and promoting healthy skin. You can consume the leaves raw or simply make a tea and drink before bed.
Turmeric: This is one of our personal favorites. Turmeric is most known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to help treat viral infections, diabetes, strengthen weak bones and reduce high cholesterol. Turmeric also helps symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, IBS and studies show it can even help fight cancer. You can simply make a tea, or for the full effect, you can make turmeric gold milk (nut-based milk, turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon) and consume it warm.
Ginger: Ginger is another key herb that contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be used to treat osteoarthritis, joint pain, digestive issues, and can lower cholesterol levels. Recent studies have shown that ginger contains anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.
Oregano: Oregano is one of the most common herbs found in almost any kitchen cabinet. Fresh oregano is a great antibacterial agent and loaded with antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. Oregano is also a great source of fiber, vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin E, and calcium. This herb should be essential in every senior’s diet to maintain maximum health.
Basil: Often, seniors are prone to cuts, wounds, and skin infections. Basil can be extracted and made into an oil to topically treat skin wounds. Basil is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as Vitamins A, C, and K. Holy basil is different than sweet basil that is used in cooking and contains properties that can help protect against different types of cancer, including lung cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, and skin cancer.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon, like turmeric, acts as an anti-inflammatory and can aid in helping to keep bones strong and healthy. Cinnamon can also help to lower blood sugar levels and is neuroprotective from different forms of cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s.
Allergies and Dosing
Although all the herbs listed above have healing properties for all different types of diseases and health issues for seniors, being aware of the proper dosage and potential allergic side effects are very important. Common allergic reactions to herbs include swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Make sure to always consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any herbs or herbal supplements listed in this article. Proper dosing is very important when considering using herbs as a supplement. Every herb is different, but the rule of thumb for dried herbs is half a tablespoon per cup of water. Inform your doctor about any herbs, vitamins, and supplements you may be taking before any elective surgery, to avoid any adverse reactions with the outcome of surgery.
Conclusion
Traditional medicine is often overlooked and replaced by modern or western medicine which promotes prescription medication. These medications may have potentially dangerous side effects for seniors. For the elderly, the best healing herbs can be found right in the kitchen cabinet. The top 6 herbs for seniors include dandelion leaf, turmeric, ginger, oregano, basil, and cinnamon. These herbs are recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, and are loaded with vitamins. All of these herbal properties can aid in healing and preventing numerous diseases and help manage conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, joint and muscle pain, and so much more. Always be sure to check for allergy warnings and proper dosing to ensure you are receiving the maximum benefits from these herbal remedies. The herbs listed here are just a few of the most common and readily available. As you research herbal supplements and remedies, you will discover that there are over 200 herbs with many different healing properties that can be used in your everyday life. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming or trying any herbal supplement to avoid any issues and to get the maximum benefit.
