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Plant
Remedies Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
The Ginkgo tree
(Ginkgo biloba) is the most ancient of all trees. Dating back at least 200
million years, the maidenhair tree has probably been extinct in the wild
for centuries, but survived in Far Eastern temple gardens. It was
introduced in Europe in 1730, and became a favourite ornamental. Since the
1980’s, Western medical interest in the plant has grown dramatically due
to its positive actions on the cardiovascular system. Because of its
beneficial effects on mood, the leaf of the ginkgo tree is used in a whole
host of age-related ailments, including Alzheimer’s disease, various
circulatory disorders, depression, memory loss, and tinnitus. Ginkgo has
also been found to inhibit blood platelet aggregation, suggesting that it
may offer protection against strokes and heart attacks.
Gingko biloba extract may help delay
deterioration and is therefore of special interest to people who are just
beginning to experience deterioration in their cognitive function.
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Constituents
Leaves : flavone glycosides (including
ginkgolide) bioflavones, sitosterol, lactones, anthocyanin
Seeds: fatty acids, minerals, bioflavones
Character
Chinese herbal medicine regards as sweet, bitter,
astringent, neutral
Action
Leaves : relax blood vessels, circulatory
stimulant
Seeds : astringent, antifungal,
antibacterial
Application
Leaves The leaves are traditionally used
for circulatory diseases; they are particularly good at improving blood
flow to the brain. Research has shown that it is also effective in
treating irregular heartbeats. The leaves can also be used for varicose
veins, haemorrhoids and leg ulcers.
Fluid Extract The extract of fresh leaves
are traditionally used for treating arteriosclerosis in the elderly and
for diseases of the peripheral circulation.
Tincture This can be combined with other
cardiovascular herbs, such as greater periwinkle and limeflower, for
circulatory problems, or with king’s clover for venous disorders.
Seeds In China, the seeds are considered to act
on the lung and kidney acupuncture meridians, and are traditionally used
for asthmatic disorders and chesty coughs with thick phlegm. They also
have a tonifying effect on the urinary system, so are used for
incontinence and excessive urination.
Decoction This can be combined with the
herbs elecampane or mulberry leaves for asthma and severe or persistent
coughs. 3 – 4 seeds are enough for three doses.
Cautions
Do not exceed the stated dose of the seeds as
this can lead to skin disorders and headaches.
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This page was last updated on 14 December 2006 23:12:11
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