Blog Category
Degenerative conditions — those in which tissues and organ systems gradually lose function over time — are among the most important challenges of modern medicine. Arthritis, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, macular degeneration, osteoporosis — these conditions share common underlying drivers: chronic oxidative stress, persistent low-grade inflammation, accumulated cellular damage, and the decline of the body's repair capacity. In herbal medicine, we address these drivers directly. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs are our most powerful tools for slowing degenerative processes, and the evidence behind them has grown significantly over the past two decades. The articles in this section explore the science and practice of using herbs to support healthy ageing and slow degeneration.
Anti-Cancer
20 October 2017
Rudolf Breuss was an Austrian healer. Read our review of Rudolf Breuss' works and life as he worked to cure cancer with natural herbal medicines.
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ASOHM News
19 October 2017
Bedstraw is a valuable plant for herbalists as it can be used for a wide range of problems, including thyroid, lymphatic and kidney complaints. Read more.
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Anti-Cancer
11 September 2017
Parsley is readily available and widely used in cookery but it is often under-appreciated. It can be found throughout the year at the market, it’s cheap so just about anyone can buy it. Parsley is a highly nutritious plant and has ample vitamins and antioxidants which can greatly improve our health. Most people do not realize that […]
Read article →Preventing and slowing degenerative conditions is the ultimate expression of the herbal philosophy of prevention over cure. These articles draw together the most relevant research and traditional knowledge for some of the most common age-related conditions.
Reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress — the two dominant drivers of cellular and tissue degeneration — is the most important herbal principle. This means antioxidant-rich herbs (bilberry, green tea, rosemary, turmeric) and anti-inflammatory herbs (turmeric, boswellia, ginger, omega-3-rich foods) as consistent, daily dietary elements rather than occasional supplements.
Research into herbal neuroprotection is advancing rapidly. Bacopa monnieri (Bacopa monnieri) has evidence for improving cognitive function and slowing cognitive decline. Ginkgo biloba improves cerebral blood flow and has antioxidant effects relevant to neurodegeneration. Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production and has been studied in mild cognitive impairment. These are supportive measures — the earlier they are begun, the more relevant they are.
Bone-supportive herbs include horsetail (Equisetum arvense, rich in silica for collagen synthesis), nettle (calcium, magnesium, vitamin K), and red clover isoflavones (which have modest evidence for maintaining bone density in post-menopausal women). Weight-bearing exercise and adequate vitamin D and calcium from diet are the primary interventions; herbs complement this.
Profoundly and necessarily. No herbal programme compensates for smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, chronic unmanaged stress, or inadequate sleep — all of which dramatically accelerate degenerative processes. Herbal medicine works best as a layer of additional protection within a lifestyle that is already oriented toward health preservation.
Atherosclerosis (arterial plaque) involves oxidised LDL, vascular inflammation, and endothelial damage — all of which antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs address. Garlic reduces LDL and inhibits platelet aggregation. Hawthorn and bilberry support arterial wall integrity. Green tea and omega-3 fatty acids have specific evidence for plaque stabilisation. These are meaningful preventative measures alongside dietary management and, where necessary, pharmaceutical management.
Inflammaging is the concept of chronic, low-grade inflammation that persists with advancing age and drives many degenerative processes — cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer among them. Dietary patterns and herbs that reduce inflammatory mediators — the Mediterranean diet, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol — are being studied as anti-aging interventions specifically targeting this mechanism.
Lesson 11 addresses acute and chronic disorders, including the factors that allow degeneration to progress and the herbal and lifestyle interventions that can slow it. Lesson 12 explores prevention as a philosophy and practice.
The philosophy of prevention and the practical tools for slowing degeneration are central to everything we teach at ASOHM. Our final two lessons bring this perspective into full focus. View lesson packages and enrol today.