The Secret to Healthy Aging

As we age, we often feel tired, achy, and less than ourselves. Brain fog, blurry vision, joint pain, and other health issues can be our constant companions. Thankfully it doesn’t have to be this way! We can lead energetic and vibrant lives, regardless of our age. Herbal remedies are an outstanding ally for boosting energy, calming inflammation, improving vision, and clarifying the mind. Here are a few of my favorite picks. 

Powerful Herbal Support

Medicinal mushrooms are at the top of my list for supporting health and well-being as we age. In fact, I personally use mushroom tinctures daily, including lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps, all of which are found in my Mushroom FOURtress. Bilberry and moringa are also exceptional botanicals for maintaining health and aging well. 

Lion’s mane — Hericium erinaceus is known for its ability to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases, enhance memory, and improve cognitive function. Research has shown that it stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which helps to repair damaged nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Lion’s mane also has neuroprotective properties and is used to prevent strokes and minimize stroke-related injury. Additionally, it supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, lowers blood glucose levels, fights cancer, and increases energy. Lion’s mane is extremely helpful for autoimmune disorders as well.

Reishi — A wonderful adaptogenic herb, Ganoderma lucidum helps our bodies to deal with the negative aspects of stress, like fatigue and inflammation. It promotes deep, rejuvenating sleep, addresses adrenal fatigue, and assists with immune function. Reishi is also rich in antioxidants, which prevent age-related stress and provides neuroprotective effects. This is an important consideration for those who have Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease. Moreover, it supports cardiovascular health, regulates blood sugar, alleviates depression and anxiety, improves liver function, and fortifies the immune system.

Turkey Tail — A beautiful, fan-shaped mushroom, Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor is helpful for reducing inflammation and fatigue, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and managing diabetes. It also improves digestion, heals leaky gut, strengthens the immune system, and protects against cancer.

Cordyceps — Cordyceps militaris is an exceptional medicinal mushroom that supports brain health, regulates blood sugar levels, and calms inflammation. Cordyceps also has anti-cancer properties. Importantly, it reduces fatigue and boosts energy. Cordyceps is also anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antiprotozoal.

Bilberry — A close relative to blueberries, huckleberries, and cranberries, Vaccinium myrtillus is a powerhouse of nutrition and antioxidants. It’s one of the best fruits you can eat for reducing inflammation, protecting against cancer, improving vision, and promoting mental focus and clarity. 

Moringa — Native to India, Moringa oleifera is an exceptional medicinal plant for detoxification, digestive issues, and stabilizing the nervous system. Because of its high levels of tryptophan, it is an outstanding herb for treating mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. Nicknamed “the miracle plant”, it is famous for its ability to fight inflammation and the effects of aging—including age-related eye problems. What’s more, the daily use of moringa helps reduce joint inflammation while also rebuilding joints and preventing further damage. It is effective for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, stomach ulcers, liver disease, urinary tract infections, edema, and kidney disease as well.

Beauty From The Inside Out

If you would like to learn more about healthful aging, including my favorite herbs, diet, and lifestyle tips for beautiful skin and overall health, have a look at my recent article, My top tips for encouraging a radiant glow, no matter what your age. The post also includes a recipe for my personal skincare beauty oil! 

An Inspiring Strategy for Aging Well and Gracefully

It always brings me great joy to learn about how my herbal remedies have made a difference in someone’s  life — and the following testimonial is no exception. I will leave you with this inspiring success story of aging gracefully.

Well, I am aging – it is inevitable and, as they say, preferable over the alternative. I try to stay fit and practice good preventive health. Part of my strategy is using the Mushroom Trio Bundle from Nicole’s Apothecary.

 

This includes lion’s mane (especially for maintaining cognitive functioning), reishi and turkey tail are for preventing and reducing inflammation and known to reduce the risk of cancer. This is a trio I also keep in my own personal travel pack – Nicole’s tinctures and salves are packaged so they can travel with you and they are always in a special small case in my carry on luggage.

 

If you are interested in aging well and gracefully, I would consider taking a close look at Nicole’s Apothecary and especially the Mushroom Trio.

–Barbara A.

Nicole Apelian

Safety

Lion’s mane — Some people are allergic to mushrooms. If you experience any of the following, discontinue use and consult with a doctor immediately: skin rashes, difficulty breathing, burning, itching, or swollen lips.

Reishi — Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding as safety has not been established. Consult with your healthcare provider before use if you have a bleeding disorder. Stop using two weeks before a scheduled surgery as reishi is a vasodilator. 

Cordyceps — Generally considered safe, do not use cordyceps if pregnant or breast-feeding, or have a blood clot disorder. Cordyceps is a vasodilator, avoid using two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Since cordyceps can stimulate the immune system, consult with your healthcare practitioner before use if you have an autoimmune disorder.

Bilberry — While generally safe to consume, consult with your healthcare practitioner if you have issues related to blood clotting or take blood thinning medications, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have diabetes. Bilberry leaves should only be used short-term.