Ginkgo biloba

The ginkgo is one of the most well-researched herbs in the world. This plant has been growing on earth for 150 - 200 million years. Ginkgo is considered the oldest tree species to survive on earth.

Ginkgo leaf is first mentioned in Lan Mao's Dian Nan Ben Cao (Pharmaceutical Natural History of Southern Yunnan), published in 1436 during the Ming dynasty.

WORKS : Ginkgo works by increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the body's network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the organ systems.

USES : Ginkgo leaves have been used for improving blood flow, memory loss due to certain brain problems (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, stroke), as well as for relieving dizziness, and for ringing in the ears.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the seeds (with fleshy rind removed) are considered more important than the leaves. The seeds are used as an astringent for the lung, to stop asthma, enuresis, and excessive leucorrhea. It is thought to benefit ch'i (qi; vital energy), cough, and regulate urinary frequency.

SIDE EFFECTS:

• Ginkgo is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  
• Stomach upset nausea, diarrhea or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly.
  
• Although Chinese herbal medicine has used both the ginkgo leaf and seed for centuries, modern research has focused on the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), which is prepared from the dried green leaves. This standardized extract is highly concentrated and seems to be clinically more effective in treating health problems (particularly circulatory ailments) than the non-standardized leaf alone.