Description
One of the major apprehensions of all human beings is the ageing process. Some of them would quickly adjust with the situation while for some others it’s difficult to accept that they are getting old. The more you are worrying about ageing, it is likely that you would hasten the aging process. Because mind also plays a big part in deciding how well one could remain calm and composed while welcoming the process of getting old.
According to Ayurveda expert from NirogStreet, Ram N Kumar, "Rasayana (rejuvenation) branch of Ayurveda specifically deals with ageing and its effects. As ageing is a degenerative and palliative phase and process, Rasayana checks its pace and impact substantially, resulting in slow down.
Rasayana treatment is advised to people who are 35 years old and more." Ram N Kumar, in one of his articles, suggests some of the herbs once can include in their diet in order to delay ageing.
1. Guduchi
Guduchi, or Giloy, is known to revive our skin tissues and resolve inflamed skin conditions by its anti-inflammatory properties. Guduchi is responsible for promoting mental clarity and enhance our immune system.
2. Guggulu
Guggulu is a powerful and potent herb that is derived from the flowering tree Mukul Myrrh. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in combating various diseases and inhibit the growth of free radicals in the body.
3. Brahmi
Brahmi, or Bacopa, is a memory enhancer, especially useful for those who may be suffering from age-related memory loss. It is believed to have refreshing effects on your brain.
4. Amalaki
Amalaki, or Amla, is an excellent source of Vitamin-C and antioxidants that help your body fight various diseases. Also, it helps you keep safe from age-related macular degeneration and Cataract.
5. Turmeric
The compound curcumin in Turmeric has shown to possess a powerful anti-ageing effect. It has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that help keep diseases at bay.
6. Ginseng
Ginseng contains a lot of phytochemicals that help stimulate and activate skin's metabolism. These phytochemicals also help you get rid of free radicals that get accumulated when your skin is exposed to pollution and sunlight.
7. Gotu-kola
Gotu kola is rich in flavonoids with antioxidant activity that helps protect the skin and body making it an extremely essential anti-ageing herb.
8. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha helps in rapid cell regeneration and rejuvenation that in turn helps in delaying signs of ageing, especially pertaining to the skin.
The association between Ayurveda, anti-aging and cosmeceuticals is gaining importance in the beauty, health and wellness sector, according to a research paper by Hema Sharma Datta and Rangesh Paramesh. Ayurvedic cosmeceuticals date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Modern research trends mainly revolve around principles of anti-aging activity described in Ayurveda: Vayasthapana (age defying), Varnya (brighten skin-glow), Sandhaniya (cell regeneration), Vranaropana (healing), Tvachya (nurturing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Tvachagnivardhani (strengthening skin metabolism) and Tvagrasayana (retarding aging). Many rasayana plants such as Emblica officinalis (Amla) and Centella asiatica (Gotukola) are extensively used.
The origins of Ayurvedic Cosmeceuticals date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The use of cosmetics was not only directed towards developing an attractive external appearance, but towards achieving longevity with good health (Sanskrit - Aayush and Aarogyam), said Hema Sharma Datta and Rangesh Paramesh. There is evidence of highly advanced concepts of self-beautification, and a large array of cosmetics used by both men and women in ancient India. Many of these practices depended on the season (Rutus) and were subtly interwoven with daily routine (Dinacharya). The whole range of cosmetic usage and its practice as conceived by the ancient Indians was based on natural resources.
Skin care procedures forming the daily routine described in Ayurvedic literature consist of numerous formulae involving herbs and other natural ingredients. They were used as external applications in the form of packs, oils, herbal waters, powders etc. Applications of these as pastes have been classified into several kinds based on the temperature, duration and thickness of application, effect of the application for healing, beautifying, anti-aging etc.
Ayurvedic cosmeceuticals are very much prized for their safe, holistic action. Based on the vast and established knowledge of Ayurveda, herbal extracts, fruit extracts and essential oils are now being effectively used in medicines, food supplements and personal care. Ranges of Ayurvedic cosmeceuticals are available for ageless skin, tonifying it, smoothing its imperfections, and increasing its hydration level, thus restoring a radiant and healthy look. Such preparations actively protect the skin and prevent premature aging, the study added.
Ayurveda offers vast amounts of information on principles of anti-aging activity, skin care and anti-aging herbs, helping in the exploration of possibilities of developing new anti-aging cosmeceuticals with natural ingredients for topical applications, the research pointed out. A number of cosmetic companies have used Ayurvedic knowledge for developing anti-aging cosmeceuticals.
