Dokudami is an Asian plant that has been used by the Japanese for centuries to heal all kinds of ailments. It is full of flavonoids, which are super strong antioxidants. It can be used orally or topically, and basically the only downside is that is has a rather fishy smell that can be unpleasant. It is dried and used as an herb, it can be made into tea, and often it is served as a garnish. It can also be included in skin creams, and more recently is has been used as an ingredient in detoxifying foot pads. Though it does not specifically target the signs of aging, its other properties can drastically improve skin, making it appear younger and thus acting as an anti aging treatment.
For example, Dokudami is known to remove free radicals. These are toxins that can build up in our bodies. Some of them are necessary to body functions and occur naturally, while others are released into the environment through factories, cars and other toxin-producing agents. A buildup of free radicals can take its toll on the body, including the skin. Dokudami contains polyphenols, an active free radical neutralizing chemical. This chemical attaches itself to free radicals and neutralizes them, creating a healthier body and in turn, having an anti aging effect.
Dokudami also supports the immune system, having an indirect anti aging effect. It does this by stimulating lymphocytes. These are a type of blood cell that kills illness-causing intruders. Being sick, or consistently not feeling well, can cause one to look older than what they are. By reducing instances of illness, Dokudami can help you look younger. It also fights two major types of acne causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. It was revealed in a recent article that although it was shown to fight a variety of bacteria, it is especially efficient at fighting these two. Though acne is typically associated with the younger generation, it plagues many that are no longer adolescents. Reducing acne can improve looks and give the effect of looking much younger.
Dokudami does not claim to reduce wrinkles or make a double chin go away. Its anti aging effects are much more subtle. They make take a little time to appear, and by the time they do it may have been so gradual it is barely noticed. However, pulling out the before pictures may shed some light on the issue. They may reveal that you are now much more vibrant and have much better looking skin than before.