AGEING
GRACEFULLY
By Martha Benedict, MA, LiAc, OMD
My elder
patients like to have guidelines for making an herbal "cocktail"
they drink once or twice a day as part of their 'stay healthy"
routine. Keeping herbs in tincture form makes this easy. People
can mix and match ingredients according to individual need
as the season and their symptoms change. Herbs taken this
way in small doses become part of a person's individual nutritional
profile. When there is an aggravation of symptoms, the dose
of many of these same nutritional herbs can be increased for
a "medicinal" application. After the episode diminishes,
the doses can be decreased once again to the nutritional level.
Here are
some herb suggestions I use in my office for different issues
facing elders. I always start with digestion as the cornerstone
of health. Elders need to be encouraged to prepare fresh veggies,
consistently consume small amounts of protein; use excellent
quality oils, and enjoy adequate fresh fruit to keep the digestive
track functioning with daily regularity. Limit sugar and grain
source carbohydrates to one to three per day. Digestive herbal
formulas I use include
Holiday
Bitters, to help the stomach destroy pathological
organisms and enhance digestion of food; Tummy
Ease to assist the in assimilation of food especially
if there is gas and bloating; No
Burp to enhance breakdown of fats and correct excessive
burping. Cat's
Claw is useful if there is an irritated intestine.
Butternut Bark softens the stool.
Second,
in Chinese medical philosophy rejuvenation of the blood stream
helps reduce many aches and pains. Small amounts of Blood
Root Plus and
Horse-chestnut Mixture, Gotu
Kola, an herb that addresses circulation of the veins,
and Dan Shen, an herb that addresses cardiovascular
circulation form another foundation-stone of self-care. For
example, if there is a specific issue such as hemorrhoids,
an herb formula in this category could be employed.
Third,
loosing ones wits is a major concern of the elderly population.
While minor forgetfulness is acceptable, the specter of dementia
is scary and dangerous. For instance, did I take my medicine?
Did I turn off the gas stove or electric Iron? I use Ginko,
or Memory
Tonic, a formula that contains 13 herbs known to address
this issue.
Fourth,
having enough energy to enjoy life is a major complaint of
my elder patients. Using Siberian Ginseng,
Ashwaganda, Astragalus,
Nettles or Mega Ginseng,
a formula that Contains 10 kinds of ginseng, applies here.
Each of these energy tonics has a slightly different application
as individual needs vary.
Finally,
conservation of vision is Important in maintaining quality
for elders. Bllberry,
or Sight
Saver, a formula containing 23 herbs reputed to support
circulation and nutrition for the cornea and macular, has
been useful for countless seniors.
There
are many other specific issues facing seniors where herbs
can be of great assistance in providing the nutritional solutions.
-Be
well, Martha
Martha
Benedict, MA, L.Ac, OMD, is one of the first acupuncturists
licensed hi California arid founder of the American College
of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She owns Benedictine Healing
Products, a company selling herbs for people arid their
pets at local stores and on the, web at: http://www.benedictineherbs.com
Martha is a contributor to the KUSP radio program, "Mind,
Body, Spirit," and practices acupuncture in Santa Cruz. |
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