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Ginko Biloba. |
| Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Ginkgoaceae, Although this is a common tree in Asia, and now used ornamentally in American suburbs, it was not known in the West until the 17th century. The secret of its believed powers lies in its leaves, as was first discovered by the Chinese some 5,000 years ago and later confirmed by western science. Quite interestingly is the fact that the Ginkgo Biloba tree is the longest surviving tree on earth, its genus being over 200 million years old, and an individual tree may live to be 1000 years old. Towering over 100 feet in the air and having a diameter of 4 feet, many have called this magisterial tree the "tree of life."Historically, it is known to reduce feverish body warmth, provide brain nutrients which possibly aid in memory processing and mental clarity while preserving function in the elderly, possibly because of its powerful antioxidant activity, and providing resistance against deterioration by increasing nutritional supplies to the important energy centers within the body. It is said to have particular properties which may help and complement the body's natural ability to strengthen the cardiovascular system, neutralize free radical damage, aid in the elimination of toxins and wastes, and prevent water retention in delicate tissue areas, reduce common annoyances associated with breathing while protecting the delicate areas within our bodies that help us take up oxygen, while promoting the oxygenation of the cells as well. This herb/tree is now the most popular in all of China and Europe.Science has finally discovered why the Ginkgo Biloba tree has been so useful throughout the ages. It's been found that the tree actually produces a series of natural flavonoids which may aid in the body's ability to heal itself and decrease unwanted disruption. Also included within the components of Ginkgo are isorhamnetin, proanthocyanidins (powerful antioxidants), terpenes, carotenoids and superoxide dismutase (SOD, yet another powerful antioxidant), increasing its cerebro-protective effects and the efficiencies of brain energy metabolism while elevating pyruvate and lowering lactate concentrations. Ginkgo also exhibits remarkable neurotransmitter modulating activity, and can therefore be effective in counteracting aging of the brain and may even be useful for preventing and treating senility, Alzheimer's/dementia, depression, memory loss, tinnitus, arterial insufficiency in the limbs, all of which grow more threatening every day we age.The Ginkgo tree quite amazingly produces rare substances called Ginkgolides, substances which science has discovered prevent the inappropriate clotting of blood. Ginkgolides interfere with the ability of the blood platelets to prematurely start the clotting process known as the platelet activating factor, or PAT for short. It is this same clotting factor that is known to be one of the components which prematurely and wrongly triggers allergic inflammation and toxic shock in immune dysfunction. Ginkgolides also are thought to aid the body's inhibition of the defense system. The Ginkgolides are reportedly known to inhibit this reaction effectively, as was reported in the prestigious British medical journal, The Lancet, 1987. Lastly, Ginkgo extracts have demonstrated usefulness in the treatment of male arterial erectile dysfunction, directly causing sure increases in flow of blood in both arteries and veins, without any threatening change in blood pressure. After 6 months of treatment, 95% demonstrated improvement, 50% tested regained potency.Also used as a Homeopathic or used simply as a micro-nutritional for hypertension and problems with blood circulation. (Homeopathic potencies accredit their strength and efficacy to the electromagnetic signatures of the original substrate; these are scientifically created dilutions and succussions of medicines such that generally not even a molecule of the original substrate or medicine is present in the medicine). As a Homeopathic or used simply as a micro-nutritional, it has demonstrated effectiveness against the following symptomology: general uneasiness and sensation of oppression; -heaviness of frontal region of head; vertigo; sense of fullness within the head; -buzzing and sensation of blockage in ears; -pressive precordial pain and pain along the sternum with lameness of left arm (Julian). |