GINKGO BILOBA

“The Millionaire Tree”

            For more than 200 million years, the earth has included among its living beings this majestic tree which stands 100 foot tall. Native to China and Japan, it now grows in some areas of Europe and North America. It leaves are fan-shaped with veins radiating from its stem base and produces small, round fruit that measure from 1 to 3 centimeters.

            Medicinal Properties Of Ginkgo :

-          Tones and stimulates the circulatory system

-          Reduces swelling

-          Antiasthmatic

-          Antioxidant

-          Antispasmodic

-          Antiallergenic

            The Chinese attribute many different properties to Ginkgo. However it wasn`t until recently that researchers discovered that Ginkgo possessed many excellent properties, among which is that of stimulating circulation, principally in the brain.

            Stimulates and Tones the Brain. Due to the increase of circulation in the brain, and therefore the increased oxygenation and sustenance of brain cells, produced by the extract from the leaves of Ginkgo Biloba, this plant has given excellent results for combating a series of infirmities related to the brain and mental health.

            Increases Memory and Mental Concentration. In Europe, millions of daily dosages are consumed by students and professionals in order to increase their mental abilities, whether for work or study, thus demonstrating the effective impact it has on increasing memory and mental power.

            Senility and Alzheimer`s Disease. A number of studies conclude that the daily consumption of Ginkgo Biloba extract produces a considerable increase in memory and in the activity of neurons in the brain. Some articles mentioned by Dr. Frank Murray in his book, “Ginkgo Biloba, “ bring out the following : Dr. W.V. Weitbrecht, along with collaborators in Germany, carried out a study on 40 patients between 60 and 80 years of age. Twenty of them were given 120mg/day of Ginkgo Biloba extract, while the other twenty were given a placebo. After 3 months, the researchers reported that the patients who took Ginkgo demonstrated more concentration and much higher levels mental activity than those who did not receive Ginkgo. Other research has demonstrated that the percentage of nerve transmissions in the neurons increase significantly.

            Headache (Migraine). In a study done in France by Dr. Dalet in 1975, in which patients suffering from migraine headaches took Ginkgo Biloba extract, improvement was noted in 80% of the cases. The reason for the alleviation in migraine sufferers may be due to effect on the arteries by the active ingredients of the plant.

            Asthma and Ginkgo. The modern Chinese pharmacology notes the qualities of Ginkgo in the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. The reason for this is due to the effects produced by the active ingredients of Ginkgo (ginkgoglides) to alleviate bronchial constriction.

            Dr. Donald J. Brown, N.D., commented in the magazine “Let`s Live” that in cases of asthma in children, he has observed a reduction in severe asthma as well as in the frequency of attacks.

            Loss of Hearing. This problem affects nearly 9 million Americans. A 1979 study done in France (Chesseboeuf L.) reveals that the hearing organs are highly sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Ginkgo Biloba has proven to be an excellent stimulant for circulation and therefore, oxygenation of the hearing organs, thus resulting in improved hearing for those having suffered from hearing loss.  Dr. Frank Murray mentions that taking 160 mg of extract per day for one to three months has produced 40 to 80 percent improvement in volunteers, compared to others who received a placebo (substance with no therapeutic effect).

            Impotence. Given that the majority of men suffering from impotence are individuals in whom the required blood pressure and volume is lacking, Ginkgo Biloba has proven to stimulate this function due to its ability to dilate the vessels, which in turn facilitates the necessary blood flow for obtaining sexual virility.

            Circulatory Problems. The circulation of blood is very important for all the body`s organs, nevertheless it is of essential importance for the brain and heart, vital organs on which the whole body depends. Ginkgo has proven to excercise substantial beneficial help where circulatory problems exist in the brain, alleviating problems related to embolism and cerebral infraction, as well as thrombosis. Ginkgo causes the vessels to dilate which allows a greater quantity of blood to circulate. As a consequence, this action brings about the lowering of the blood pressure.

            Embolism. Normally a region of the brain ceases to function in the case of an embolism. Therefore, a more generous supply of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area is necessary in order for the nerves cells to recuperate efficiently.

            Ginkgo Biloba is also beneficial in the treatment of poor circulation in the legs and hands (cold legs and hands), as well as in other parts of the body where circulation is deficient.

            Antioxidant. Ginkgo Biloba acts as an excellent antioxidant. Antioxidants help preven the general deterioration of the body. Vitamin C, A, and E, as well as selenium, help destroy free radicals. Ginkgo Biloba takes part in this activity.

Dosage. A regular dose is 400 mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract per day.

Guide to Natural Remedies for Health and Well Being