Senility Health Dictionary

The process of change whereby the UTERUS returns to its resting size after parturition (birth). The term is also applied to any retrograde biological change, as in senility (see AGEING).... involution

Linn. Family: Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.

Habitat: Native to Europe. English: Wild Parsnip. Unani: Shaqaaq-ul-Misri.

Action: Root—galactagogue, aphrodisiac, spermatogenetic. An important ingredient of Unani compounds for oligospermia, low sexual drive and debility. Shaqaaq-ul-Misri has also been equated with Trachydium lehmanni Benth. In Kashmir, Eryngium caeru- leum Bieb (Umbelliferae) and in Chak- rata, Polygonatum verticillatum All. (Liliaceae) are known as shaqaaqul (also Dudhaali). Polygonatum verticillatum rhizomes are used in Tibetan medicine for emaciation and senility. The dried rhizomes contain diosgenin.... pastinaca secacul

All.

Family: Liliaceae.

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas and Manipur.

Ayurvedic: Medaa. (Substitute: Asparagus racemosus.)

Unani: Shaqaaqul. (Substitute: Pastinaca secacul.)

Folk: Mithaa-dudhiaa.

Action: Used in Tibetan medicine for treating emaciation, senility, pulmonary affections. The rhizomes is valued as salep.

The dried rhizomes contain 6.2-9% diosgenin.

The lactins of the rootstock did not contain carbohydrates; the amino acid revealed presence of 28% aspartic acid and asparagine.

The plant exhibits diuretic properties. It gave a digitalis glucoside and is considered poisonous by the hill people in the Himalayas.... polygonatum verticillatum

Old age. To maintain health, prevent anaemia, ensure mobility of joints, sense of balance, reduce possibility of strokes, preserve density of the bones and ward off senility. In age, nutrients are not so well absorbed. Minerals may be provided by Mullein and Nettles (iron), Kelp (iodine), Chamomile and Horsetail (calcium), Oats (silicon), Silverweed (sulphur), Liquorice root (phosphorus), Dandelion (potassium), Carrot leaves (magnesium).

Alternatives. Garlic (anti-infective), Ginseng (anti-fatigue), Hawthorn (sustains heart), Red Clover (lymphatic cleanser), Ginkgo, (brain stimulant). Sage tea is favoured in China for longevity.

Combination. Tea. Combine equal parts: German Chamomile, Horsetail, Nettles. 1 heaped teaspoon to cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 1 cup once or twice daily. Single teas may be made from Hawthorn blossoms or any of the above.

Belgian research has shown that the elderly are more able to resist infection by taking Selenium supplements. They are prone to a deficiency of Selenium. See entry. Elderly subjects who complain of memory loss are unlikely to develop dementia. (Prof Raymond Levy, London Institute of Psychiatry). Diet. Reduce fats, meat and sugar. High intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Dietary fibre, muesli, oatmeal porridge. Oily fish.

Supplements. Daily. Beta carotene 5,000iu; B-complex; B12; Vitamin C to preserve blood vessels 1g; Vitamin E to sustain a robust circulation, 200iu. Selenium 100mcg.

Note: It is desirable that elderly patients should, where possible, be weaned off psychotropic drugs, as they are particularly prone to side-effects. See: DRUG DEPENDENCE. ... ageing

An extract from the maidenhair tree GINKGO BILOBA, claimed to be helpful in circulatory disorders, reduced circulation in the brain, senility, depression, and premenstrual syndrome. Possible side effects are spasms and cramps.gland A group of specialized cells that manufacture and release chemical substances, such as hormones and enzymes, into the body. There are two main types of glands: endocrine and exocrine. Endocrine glands do not have ducts and release their secretions directly into the bloodstream; examples include the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Exocrine glands have ducts and release their secretions either on to the surface of the skin (sebaceous glands) or into a hollow structure such as the mouth or digestive tract (salivary glands).

Lymph nodes are sometimes referred to as glands, particularly when they are enlarged (see glands, swollen). Strictly speaking, this is incorrect usage because lymph nodes do not secrete chemical substances.... ginkgo

n. a very rare condition in which all the signs of old age appear and progress in a child, so that ‘senility’ is reached before puberty.... progeria