Are you afraid of getting old or looking older than you actually are? Women, especially, dread the day they will look in the mirror and see wrinkles around their eyes. But sitting worrying about getting old will just speed up the aging process. A better idea is to take a look at what Chinese medicine has to offer in the way of herbal remedies.

     #10 Fengwangjiang (Royal Jelly)

      Royal Jelly
 

      Among bee products, royal jelly is especially prized for its rich nutritional value which can facilitate protein synthesis and cell growth, improve the body's metabolism and enhance tissue regeneration. In addition, being rich in vitamins C and E, it is an excellent anti-aging remedy.

      #9 Jiaogulan (Gynostemma)

       Gynostemma
 

      Ancient Chinese medicine has no record of this herb. But recent research has found that it is helpful in anti-aging, boosting energy, combating cancer and adjusting endocrine levels. Regular use can improve the immune system, reduce cholesterol, prevent tumors, treat ulcers, relieve stress and ease pain.

     #8 Hongjingtian (Rhodiola)

      Rhodiola
 

      There is no record of rhodiola in ancient Chinese medicine. The herb is a new anti-aging medicine discovered in recent years. It produces outstanding results in nourishing vitality, reducing excess heat, detoxifying the body, calming the mind and improving mental agility. Its toning functions are similar to those of ginseng. Regular use can protect the body from chills and fatigue, slow the growth of cancerous cells and defer senility.

      #7 Gouqizi (Chinese Wolfberry Fruit)

      Chinese Wolfberry Fruit
 

     Chinese wolfberry fruit was recorded in Shennong's Herbal Classic as beneficial to muscles and bones and helpful for losing weight and prolonging life. The Collected Works of Materia Medica praised it as toning the Qi and blood, and promoting vitality. The herb has similar functions to ginseng. It is beneficial for resisting arteriosclerosis, reducing blood sugar levels, invigorating the body and deferring senility.

     #6 Lingzhi (Ganoderma)

      Ganoderma
 

      According to Shennong's Herbal Classic, lingzhi nourishes the liver Qi and settles the nerves; regular use reduces body weight and prolongs life. Modern research has shown that the herb is helpful in toning the nervous system, the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system as well as improving immune levels, clearing out free radicals and balancing the metabolism, all of which have a direct influence on the aging process.

     #5 Ciwujia (Acanthopanacis Senticosi)

      Acanthopanacis Senticosi
 

      According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, regular use of Ciwujia reduces body weight and protects the body against aging. There is an old saying: Better a handful of ciwujia than a cartful of gold and jade. Modern research has confirmed that the herb is effective in anti-aging, combating fatigue and invigorating the body. It helps adjust the nervous system, endocrine system and cardiovascular system and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

     #4 Sanqi (Pseudo-Ginseng)

     Pseudo-Ginseng
 

     According to A Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica written by Zhao Xuemin, a famous Qing Dynasty doctor, ginseng is best for toning a patient's Qi while pseudo-ginseng is best for toning the blood. The two roots taste the same and have broadly similar effects. Zhao regarded pseudo-ginseng as one of the most precious herbs. Modern research has confirmed pseudo-ginseng and ginseng are very similar in chemical composition, pharmacological effects and clinical application, but the saponin content of pseudo-ginseng exceeds that of ginseng. Pseudo-ginseng has a distinct advantage over ginseng in preventing cardiovascular disease. Using pseudo-ginseng can expand blood vessels, reduce vascular resistance, increase cardiac output and decrease the heart rate.

     #3 Renshen (Ginseng)

     Ginseng
 

     Shennong's Herbal Classic states that Ginseng can tone up the main internal organs, settle nerves, and improve eyesight and mental agility. Regular use can reduce body weight and prolong life. Modern research has discovered other beneficial effects of Ginseng, including its anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-fatigue functions. It also helps protect the liver and improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

    #2 Huangqi (Astragalus Mongholicus)

     Astragalus Mongholicus
 

     Traditional Chinese medicine sees the spleen and the stomach as the foundations of good health, and Huangqi's action on these organs is one of the best ways of toning up one's vitality. Modern research has found that Huangqi can also widen coronary arteries, boost blood flow to the heart, improve the immune system and slow down the process of cell aging.

    #1 Heshouwu (Fleece-Flower Root)

     Fleece-Flower Root
 

     The ancient medical text Kaibao Materia Medica states that regular use of Heshouwu helps build muscle, bones and bone marrow, and slows down the effects of aging. Modern research has found the herb can help nerve cells grow and alleviate neurasthenia and other neurological diseases. It can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels and is also an antioxidant.