Aging with grace
As women move into their golden years, many are now striving to maintain unprecedented energy levels and cognitive function to stay active and independent well into their 80s.
Again, herbal medicines can be a valuable tool to provide natural support for these functions. Panax ginseng, for example, has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic with the belief that it promotes health and longevity.
There is also ample evidence in Western medicine that these indications are on target. “According to the medical and scientific literature,” noted Maria Dolores Garcia, product manager of IFF Health “the activity and safety of ginseng preparations have been assessed in clinical trials in different health areas such as: cognitive and physical performance, cardiovascular and pulmonary function, prevention of respiratory diseases, erectile dysfunction, immunological functions and quality of life. These clinical investigations support the plausibility of the traditional use to strengthen the vital energy ‘Qi’, as an aid during convalescence and as a prophylactic to build resistance and reduce susceptibility to illness.”
Clinical evidence also suggests that ginseng has the potential to slow cognitive decline in elderly individuals or reduce the risk of dementia, which is currently of great scientific and public health interest, Garcia added. “Biological data suggest that various functional constituents, especially ginseng saponins (also known as ginsenosides), improve brain cholinergic function, decrease inflammation, and reduce production of amyloid beta proteins that directly limit the progression of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.”1
Though there are still many questions to answer with regard to a woman’s health, it’s clear that women have increasing interest in natural, sustainable solutions that provide a proactive approach to supporting healthful aging. Helping them tap into powerful plant-based healing traditions will empower them to take charge of their own journey.
References 1. Kyungjin lho S et al. “Effects of life time cumulative ginseng intake on cognitive function in late life.” Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. 2018 May;10:50.
