15 Anti-Aging Herbs To Fight Skin Aging
1. Basil
Holy basil or tulsi helps in preventing the signs of aging. Excessive UV exposure damages your skin and causes collagen depletion. Collagen is the compound that maintains the elasticity of your skin. In a study, researchers found that topical application of basil helped in retaining skin moisture levels, reduced skin roughness and scaliness, prevented wrinkles, and made the skin smooth (1).
How To Use Basil For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 cup holy basil leaves 1 tablespoon gram flour 1 teaspoon honey
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing properties. It is also said to have anti-aging benefits as it prevents collagen breakdown and prevents loss of skin elasticity. A study says that it also boosts collagen synthesis and prevents signs of aging (2).
How To Use Cinnamon For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1 tablespoon raw honey
3. Clove
Clove has immense health benefits. Clove oil is widely used in Ayurveda for treating many ailments. A study has also found that clove has free radical scavenging properties and contains antioxidants that slow down signs of aging (3). Note: Clove and its oil can be toxic at high doses. Therefore, only use it as directed.
How To Use Clove For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 tablespoon coconut oil 3-4 drops clove oil
4. Ginger
This herb has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for over thousands of years for treating multiple ailments. Ginger has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help in preventing the signs of aging. A study found that ginger could control the production of harmful free radicals that affect your metabolism and increase oxidative stress, which is harmful to your skin (4).
How To Use Ginger For Anti-Aging Benefits
2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon grated ginger
5. Guggula
Guggula is a very powerful herb that is extracted from the Mukul Myrrh tree. A study found that Guggula could prevent wrinkles (5). It is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the effect of the harmful free radicals.
How To Use Guggula For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 teaspoon Guggula powder 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or shea butter)
6. Gingko
This is one herb that has been widely studied for its immense health benefits. Gingko biloba is revered for its memory boosting properties, but it is also known for its anti-aging benefits. A clinical study found that Gingko extracts, when applied on skin, could prevent wrinkles and improve the skin texture by boosting hydration and skin smoothness and reducing roughness (6).
How To Use Gingko For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 teaspoon Gingko extract 1 tablespoon bentonite clay 1 tablespoon honey
7. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng or winter cherry is an extremely popular herb used for its medicinal properties. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and cognitive boosting properties and is loaded with alkaloids that protect the cells (including skin cells) from oxidative stress and damage. This keeps your skin healthy and the signs of aging at bay (7).
How To Use Ashwagandha For Anti-Aging Benefits
½ teaspoon ashwagandha powder ½ teaspoon dried ginger powder ½ teaspoon lemon juice (diluted)
8. Ginseng
This Chinese medicinal herb is popular worldwide for its anti-aging benefits. A study found that a mixture of ginseng and Chinese hawthorn protected the skin from the effects of aging. It improves procollagen synthesis and moisture levels of the skin and prevents wrinkle formation (8).
How To Use Ginseng For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 teaspoon ginseng powder 1 cup warm water Cotton balls
9. Horsetail
Also called shave grass or mare’s tail, this perennial herb contains natural silicon that can give you youthful and glowing skin. Horsetail contains flavonoids, vitamins E and C, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10 that improve the collagen levels in your skin, neutralize the harmful free radicals, and enhance the skin firmness (9).
How To Use Horsetail For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 tablespoon chopped horsetail shoot 3 tablespoons raw honey
10. Oregano
This herb not just makes your food taste good, but it also helps in slowing down the aging of your skin. Oregano is a storehouse of antioxidants and flavonoids that prevent free radical damage and delay the signs of aging (10).
How To Use Oregano For Anti-Aging Benefits
10-15 drops oregano essential oil 2 tablespoons olive, coconut, or jojoba oil
11. Rosemary
This herb protects your skin from photodamage. Excessive exposure to UV rays causes fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of UV-induced aging. Rosemary prevents photodamage while improving your skin’s elasticity and preventing wrinkles (11).
How To Use Rosemary For Anti-Aging Benefits
2 cups water 2 fresh sprigs of rosemary 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
12. Sage
Sage is rich in antioxidants that help in reversing the signs of aging, such as age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Sage contains flavonoids, phenolic carboxylic acids, phenolic diterpenes, and other antioxidants that protect your skin from aging (12).
How To Use Sage For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 ½ teaspoons sage leaves 1 cup water
13. Thyme
This is another herb with multiple benefits. It not only makes your food flavorful but also prevents skin damage and signs of aging. Thyme is a free radical scavenger and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect your skin from the signs of aging (13).
How To Use Thyme For Anti-Aging Benefits
1 tablespoon dried thyme ½ cup alcohol-free witch hazel
14. Gotu Kola
In Ayurveda, Gotukola is considered a magic remedy for its Vayasthapana (meaning age-defying properties). The Ayurvedic texts say that it maintains a balance between all the doshas in your body and promotes collagen synthesis and cell renewal (14). It can also be taken internally.
How To Use Gotu Kola For Anti-Aging Benefits
A handful of dried Gotu kola A handful of calendula flowers (optional) Sesame oil (you can use coconut, olive, jojoba, or almond oil) A glass jar
15. Turmeric
Whether it is for treating an infection, a cut, or a bruise or improving your immunity, turmeric is a magic solution for everything. But did you know that it has age-defying properties? Yes. That’s because of a compound called curcumin. This compound is a strong antioxidant that has free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties that protect your skin from UV-induced signs of aging (15).
How To Use Curcumin For Anti-Aging Benefits
½ teaspoon turmeric 1 tablespoon raw honey 1 drop lemon essential oil (optional)
What herb tightens the skin? Various herbs like basil, cinnamon, ashwagandha, and turmeric can help tighten saggy skin due to their antioxidant properties (16). Can loose skin tighten over time? Yes, loose skin can be tightened with the help of various energy-based devices that do not involve invasive procedures. This leads to the production of new collagen in the skin that helps firm the skin up (18). What foods improve skin elasticity? Basil and cinnamon are known for their anti-aging properties. While basil improves skin elasticity and delays wrinkles by maintaining moisture levels, cinnamon boosts collagen production (1), (2). Does coffee age your face? Unfortunately for coffee lovers, it can cause dehydration and affect collagen production, leading to aging skin, wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin texture (17).
