Something that many of us don’t think about as we age is that it’s not just our body that’s doing the aging—many important functions performed by our body are controlled by the brain, and that ages, too. Without the tell-tale signs of aging that are visibly apparent — those wrinkles and aching joints that signify physical aging— it’s a lot harder to spot the signs internally that you may need to give your mind (and your body) a helping hand. That's why it’s so important to take care of yourself mentally and physically as you're aging by giving your body what it needs to function properly. Certain herbs in traditional Ayurvedic wellness are thought to help improve mental function, support memory, support cognition, and aid the body in getting back to balance, which all improve overall mood and health.

Let's look at a few of the most common Ayurvedic herbs that can help give your brain and body the support it needs to get back to balance and functioning well:

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a “tonic herb” that is actually a relative to both tomatoes and potatoes! Ayurvedic herbalists use Ashwagandha in many different ways, but one of its primary uses is to support energy and a balanced body. It may also be effective in supporting the brain in times of stress or fatigue, as it has relaxing and grounding herbal properties. For this reason, many people will use Ashwagandha herbal supplements as a sleep aid, as a form of herbal stress relief, or sometimes, for an extra burst of energy. As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha works by addressing the areas within that are out of balance—adapting to what your body needs.

Bacopa

Bacopa is another centerpiece of the Ayurvedic table. Ayurvedic formulas to cope with stress often include Bacopa, as it is traditionally believed to support a person's natural problem-solving abilities. Bacopa is considered a traditional brain herb in parts of Asia and many people will use it to support mental clarity, memory, and to promote a normal nervous system.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an herb that Ayurveda often uses to support graceful aging and aid in meditation. Gotu Kola is a leafy green that thrives in hot, moist climates and often covers jungle floors. This herb is widely believed to be a useful supplement for the brain and nervous system. Ayurvedic herbalists also use it for physical benefits such as supporting a person's strength and overall mood.

Hello Balance, Welcome Back

Within the global wellness industry, you can often find these three Ayurvedic mainstays combined in herbal formulas along with other adaptogens that create balance throughout the body. Adaptogens are normalizing herbs that almost seem “tailor-made” to combat our stress. They are non-specific—meaning that instead of targeting one part of your body, they help your body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors overall. These herbs work well in specific formulas that help restore our body’s response to stress.

In addition to the herbs mentioned above, adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Amla, and Holy Basil are also increasing in popularity because of their ability to support the body’s response to a variety of stressors. These centuries-old staples of Ayurvedic wellness help the body literally adapt to physical and emotional stress to help you with everything from occasional sleeplessness to energy. This means if you’re feeling flustered, they can help calm you, or if you’re feeling sluggish, they can support more energy. They also help to balance and support the body’s immune response.

Lessons in Ayurveda and the adaptogens it leverages lay the foundation for Himalaya’s Hello® herbal supplement line. The following formulas were created with you in mind:

• Hello® Calm Mind is formulated with Bacopa, Gotu Kola, Holy Basil and L-Theanine to help support mental alertness and cognitive function, empower clarity of thought, and promote energy, focus and memory. It also supports tranquility, relaxation, stress-relief and mood.
  
• Hello® Peace combines Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Saffron, and Chyavanprash to promote your body’s calm and grounded response to everyday stressors. Combined, these time-honored herbs offer a multitude of support. It all starts from within, so to stay relaxed and feel restored, this formula can support your stress levels and promote a balanced emotional response.
• Hello Joy® supports mood and emotional wellness when you need it most. No matter what we face in our day, our ability to find joy in the little moments is so important. Himalaya Hello Joy® supports emotional wellness, a positive mood, and good feelings. Ashwagandha, Amla, Bacopa, and Holy Basil help cheer you up and improve your mood. This daily plant-based supplement has been clinically studied to support your adrenals to provide mood support and motivation.
  
• Hello® Energy helps you to achieve your daily tasks without having to use stimulants like caffeine that can tax your adrenals. Hello Energy® has been clinically studied to restore energy levels, improve mood, and support normal cortisol and DHEA levels, which are all leading indicators of adrenal health and increased vitality. Ashwagandha, Amla, Haritaki, and Licorice are leveraged in this formula to help support metabolism, promote adrenal health, and help to provide stress relief.
  

Find the right supplements to help support your mental and physical well-being by checking out Himalaya's line of wellness products today.