Posted on 4th May 2011 @ 3:09 PM

As we age, we become more susceptible to the long-term effects of oxidative stress caused by too much exposure to free radicals as well as inflammation on the cellular level. Antioxidants and other age-defying compounds help cells ward off damage from free radicals and minimize the impact of aging.

Herbs and flowers, as well as fruits and brightly colored vegetables, contain powerful phytonutrients which may improve our resilience to the signs of aging. Antioxidant phytonutrients ward off free radicals, oxygen molecules that play a role in the onset of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

Stress, hormones, ultraviolet light, and a weakened immune system also contribute to skin aging. This is why it is especially important to increase your antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient intake in summer time, when we are exposed to large amounts of UV radiation and possible allergens from flowers and grass.

Green tea is an important anti-aging beverage. Studies show that green tea may help prevent cellular damage after sun exposure. Green tea helps to detox the system, flush excess water, and support healthy skin metabolism.

Birch is rich in antioxidant called betulin, a natural anti-inflammatory substance shown to be effective against a variety of tumors. Native Americans used birch and red alder to treat poison oak, insect bites, and skin irritations.

Nettle has powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic properties. It helps to detoxify the body and purge toxic matter from our intestines. Moreover, nettle has scientifically proven to have effective reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities.

Horsetail is rich in skin strengthening silica as well as phenolic compound isoquercitrin which acts as a potent free radical scavenger. It may also protect against breast cancer and skin cancer.

Yarrow contains a unique blend of phenolic compounds which have antioxidant capacity and cytoprotective activity against oxidative stress. Scientists found that yarrow infusion has good antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, particularly as traditionally prepared herbal tea.

Echinacea is a well-known anti-inflammatory and immunity-strengthening herb. It is known to quench inflammation at cellular level. Echinacea works by increasing the number of white blood cells, thus boosting the immune system and thereby increasing the body's ability to fight infections. Numerous scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of echinacea in treating viral and bacterial infections, healing wounds, and reducing inflammation.

You can enjoy these and many other herbs as herbal infusions. Most of these plants are available as herbal teas (tisanes) in health food stores. You can also try delicious Anti-Aging Tea prepared in England with thyme leaves, burdock leaves, green tea, birch leaves, white willow stems and leaves, oak bark, nettle leaves, hops leaves, marigold petals, knotgrass leaves, horsetail stems, lavender flowers, yarrow leaves, echinacea leaves and roots, sage leaves, sunflower petals, cornflower petals, and jasmine petals.

How to make the perfect cup of tea?

You can simplify the tea making process depending on how much time you plan to spend. To make a perfect cup of tea you still need to take three important steps:

1. Good water quality. You don’t need to use mineral water but filtered tap water should be fresh and pure. Do not re-boil the same water.
2. Water temperature. Black tea and herbal infusions should be made with boiling water, but green and white teas require cooler temperatures (ideally 2-3 minutes after the kettle has boiled)
3. Infusing time. Black tea and oolongs require 2-3 minutes, while herbal teas and tisanes need up to 5 minutes to bring the flavor and health benefits.