Holy basil
Believed to be a sacred
incarnation of divinity by many Hindus, the
holy basil plant (a
cousin of sweet basil) is also called tulsi, or "the
incomparable one."
This name refers to its seemingly
unparalleled abilities to reduce stress, increase energy and
encourage longevity. It is most often recommended for
cardiovascular conditions, hypertension and diabetes.
Doubling
too as an insect repellent, this incredible plant is easy to
grow and may be served either fresh or dried.
Reishi
Known in Taoist tradition
as the "mushroom of immortality" and considered by traditional
Chinese medicine to be a "superior herb," red
reishi is the most
common variety used medicinally.
It helps to increase energy
while also improving conditions of coronary heart disease,
immune disorders, cancers as well as high cholesterol and
arthritis.
It is ideally served cooked in soups but may also be
taken either in extract or powdered form.
Jiaogulan
Similar to ginseng in its
chemical composition, this miracle herb is literally called "the
immortality herb" by the Chinese.
One of its primary features is
that it increases the fat-burning rate by assisting the liver to
move carbohydrates and other sugars into the muscles, rather
than storing them. In addition, its effects on cardiovascular
health have earned it the nickname of "herbal heart defender."
Not only does it help to regulate blood pressure and raise good
cholesterol while lowering the bad; it also protects against
heart attacks and stroke by helping to reduce arterial
blockages.
Jiaogulan is commonly served in the form of a tea.
Astragalus
Another of Chinese
medicine's healing marvels,
astragalus has earned a reputation
for its deep healing effects on the immune system.
Working
wonders on countless health conditions including seasonal
allergies, cold and flu, fatigue, inflammation, blood pressure
and circulation, heart disease, liver toxicity, diabetes, and
cancer, the potent influence of this herb has grown in
popularity to such a degree that even pharmaceutical companies
are using parts of the plant as base ingredients for new
prescription drugs.
Particularly interesting is astragalus'
ability to slow the aging process by promoting the health of
telomeres, which help hold chromosomes together. It is available
in the form of an extract, powder or tablet supplement.
Sage
Sage stands alone on this
list as the only herb not considered an adaptogen, but that
doesn't appear to diminish its ability to promote longevity.
Of
the nearly 900 varieties of
sage known today, garden sage and
Spanish sage are the two most commonly used for healing. Revered
by the ancient Aztecs, this "herb of immortality" has an
immediate calming and clarifying effect on congestion, making
breathing easier, and even banishing headaches as it contributes
to clearer thinking and enhanced memory.
You may also find the
quality of your sleep improves. In some cultures, those who
drank sage tea were thought never to grow old. Sage oil has even
demonstrated cancer-fighting, immune-boosting and
heart-protecting properties.
