The anti-aging industry has continued to make billions of dollars in profits each year by coming out with the latest must-have miracle products that basically promise youth in a jar. Although there is no shortage of people that are willing to invest their hard earned dollars into purchasing these items, others prefer the more natural approach to anti-aging. In the case of adaptogenic herbs, the possibilities for what it can do to reverse the hands of time look quite promising.

When most people think of herbs, they typically think about the type used for cooking or in home remedies. However, adaptogenic herbs fall within a special category that is quickly becoming of interest to those in the skincare and anti-aging industry - and with good reason. One of the main characteristics of this herb that caught the attention of scientists is its ability to provide a tonic and relaxing sensation that works very well on individuals that suffer from high levels of stress, especially in the long-term. Of course there is more to the idea of adaptogenics, which also applies to the actual name given to this herb. As the name implies, adaptogenics contain special agents that have the power to counteract adverse effects an organism, such as a human being, is experiencing. This includes biological, physical or chemical effects.

In English, adaptogenics help identify stressor agents and by counteracting the effects, balance out the problem and aids the body in “adapting” back to its normalized state, hence, the name. When used as treatment for conditions such as chronic illness, stress, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, a person can benefit from a reduced risk of infection, protection against radiation, build a resistance to certain chemical carcinogens and even increase an individual’s mental and physical stamina and performance.

So how does anti-aging play a part? Because of the normalizing and tonic effects produced by the adaptogenics, the human body can, in theory, effectively experience less stress that contributes to aging. The most basic anti-aging benefits an individual can expect by using this type of herb includes the prevention of genetic damage, protecting health cells from toxins, increasing oxygen flow to the body, boosting DNA repair to damaged cells and even eliminating dying cells that are no longer of use to proper functioning or protection of the body. Of course such herbs should be used accordingly. Believe it or not, some of the everyday herbs most people use actually fall into the adaptogenic herb category and include: ginger, green tea, licorice, ginseng, reishi mushrooms, grape seed extract and elderberry, among others.

In most cases, adaptogenics can be used in everyday cooking and meal preparation or, in the case of green tea, consumed as a beverage. Because these herbs are non-toxic, they are usually safe for long-term use as needed.

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