Take the stress out of wondering what to get your Mother on her special day on Sunday March 11th and start planning now. Forget the usual chocolates and flowers and go for something different. How about a special herbal basket full of remedies to help her fight the ageing process naturally?
Editor Jane Garton suggest a few top herbs to support ageing gracefully.
GINKGO
Ginkgo is the herb that will help her to remember your birthday not to mention where she put her car keys. It helps to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage, improves the supply of oxygen to the brain, has inflammatory properties and is also thought to help enhance memory and concentration as the years go by.
DEVIL’S CLAW
If her joints are starting to creak Devil’s claw may help to make them run more smoothly. It’s not known exactly how devil’s claw works but its tubers have a number of active chemical compounds that have been studied extensively by scientists. One of the most important are harpagosides, which research shows have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
VALERIAN
Making sure Mum gets enough beauty sleep is all important as it is while we sleep that our cells go through the regenerative process. If she keeps complaining about trouble getting to sleep or waking in the middle of night and not being able to drop off again what she needs is a dose of valerian. Extracts of valerian root contain natural compounds known as iridoids that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to relax the body and encourage sleep.
TURMERIC
If she suffers from arthritis, turmeric could help to ease the pain. This herb is well known as the spice that gives curry blends their yellow colour, but due to its active ingredient curcumin, it also has amazing healing properties. As well as being recognised as an effective anti-inflammatory, it may help to protect the brain.
RHODIOLA
Mums are always on the go, which over time can deplete their energy levels and even lead to anxiety and depression. Also known as golden root, Rhodiola has long been used to fight fatigue, boost energy and improve mood.
BLUEBERRIES
Top your lovely herbal basket with a punnet of blueberries. They are full of antioxidants, which will help stave off degenerative changes in the brain and circulation. Eating blueberries regularly is also thought to help improve day and night time vision.
