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Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular herbal remedies in use today. Like many other herbs, our ancestors have known of and taken advantage of its healing properties for centuries. Doctors recommend caution when taking Ginkgo Biloba, as it is extremely potent. Symptoms of overuse include skin disorders, headaches, and other issues. Taken with respect for dosing guidelines, and awareness, Ginkgo Biloba can vastly enhance your alternative healing medicine cabinet.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree is the sole survivor of an entire genus of related trees, and therefore truly in a class all by itself. Fossil records indicate this tree flourished before and during the dinosaur era. Unlike the dinosaurs, and many other life forms, Ginkgo Biloba survived virtually unchanged. Aside from being an incredible survivor, the nature of this tree runs contrary to almost every other plant on Earth. To begin, it is a deciduous conifer; meaning its leaves fall off every year, unlike a pine tree. The Ginkgo tree also comes in female and male genders; with the later having motile sperm. In modern times, there are only a few samples of wild Ginkgo Biloba reported to be left in the Shandong province of China. Not only are some of these trees reputed to be over 3,000 years old, they sport aerial roots that took hundreds of years to develop.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree was first introduced in Europe in the early 18 th century where it gained immense popularity as an ornamental tree. In the 1980s, researchers discovered the potent effect extracts from this tree have on the cardiovascular system.

Almost every part of the Ginkgo Biloba has medicinal properties. The leaves are known to contain flavones glycosides, lactones, sitosterol, bioflavones, and anthocyanins. The main therapeutic function is the relaxation of blood vessels and stimulation of the circulatory system. Hence, the observation that Ginkgo improves mental function, as it improves blood flow in the brain. Continued research on this front holds promise for isolating a compound that will reduce, or perhaps even alleviate the symptoms of dementia that often accompanies Alzheimer’s disease. Fluid extract from fresh Ginkgo Biloba leaves are already widely sold in Europe to treat cerebral arteriosclerosis in the elderly.

Recent research has demonstrated that ginkgolide, a compound found in the leaves, is as effective as many standard pharmaceutical drugs currently used to treat irregular heartbeats. Tinctures made from fresh Ginkgo Biloba leaves are combined with other herbs such as periwinkle and linden to treat a number of circulatory problems. Many herbalists also combine the leaves of Ginkgo Biloba with king’s clover to treat venous disorders.

Other uses for the Ginkgo Biloba leave include the treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, inflammations, and hemorrhoids. For these ailments, herbalists make an infusion that can be turned into a wash.

The Ginkgo Biloba seeds are also rich in minerals, fatty acids, and bioflavones. The seeds are especially popular in traditional Chinese medicine, and are called bai gou. They are believed to act on the lung and kidneys and are used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic disorders, and all chest problems that produce thick phlegm. The seeds of the Ginkgo Biloba are also believed to have a toning effect on the urinary system, and are useful in the treatment of excessive urination, or incontinence.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree has become firmly established in the repertoire of all herbalists. Researchers today are confirming a wealth of healing properties for the cardiovascular system. With careful attention to dosing guidelines, the Ginkgo Biloba can be safe, effective, and reliable in treating various illnesses.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: ginkgo, ginkgo biloba, glycosides, Herbal Remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine

While the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known, herbal remedies are becoming more and more popular as an effective form of alternative therapy. They are especially beneficial when it comes to encouraging the strength of the immune system and fighting different types of viruses. Various herbs can be used alone, or in conjunction to manage a wide variety of symptoms. Before trying herbal supplements, check with your doctor to make sure you don’t have a condition which would prevent you from taking them.

Astragalus is very effective at encouraging the proper workings of the immune system. While Astragalus is wonderful for treating the symptoms of the flu and head colds, it should not be taken when the individual has a fever. Astragalus encourages the production of white blood cells. White blood cells are critical to getting rid of pathogens once they have gotten into the body. The suggested dosage of Astragalus is 150 to 250 milligrams three to four times per day.

Burdock root, dandelion, and red clover when combined as a tea help to encourage swift healing. In combination, these three herbs support proper immune system functioning, and also help cleanse the bloodstream. Depending on preference, you can also try mixing any pair to see if one tea works better than another. For optimal effect, drink four to six cups daily.

Ginkgo biloba helps to improve brain function, and also circulation. Thus, it may help with memory and other cognitive impairments associated with an active bout of CFS. Milk thistle is excellent for protecting the liver, and that in turn assists the body to properly metabolize proteins and other nutrients. Pau d’arco, a lesser known herb, is excellent for helping to get rid of bacterial infections that are the result of an overgrowth of Candida albicans.

Ginseng is one of the most beneficial overall herbs for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers. The advantages of a particular brand of Ginseng depend on the region in which the root is grown. As an example, Chinese (or Korean) ginseng helps to increase energy levels in the body. It is also helps one to cope with high levels of stress. Chinese Ginseng is well known for its enhancement to immune system function. It is also excellent at fighting any number of viral infections.

This is a very strong herb that requires some caution in selection and consumption. It should not be used if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or hypoglycemia. If you are sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants, Chinese (or Korean) Ginseng may not be safe for you to take. When choosing a brand of Ginseng, choose a standard extract made up of seven percent ginsenosides.

Siberian ginseng is another form of ginseng that enhances the ability to cope with disease, stress and fatigue. Siberian ginseng contains very potent antioxidant properties not found in Chinese Ginseng. Siberian Ginseng has been known to greatly increase the mental alertness of a chronic fatigue sufferer. Always choose a standardized extract of Siberian ginseng that has as its components, 0.5 percent eleutheroside E. Siberian Ginseng has its optimal potency at 100 to 200 milligrams twice a day. The best times to take Siberian Ginseng are in the morning and then again in the afternoon.

The combination of bee pollen, carrot juice, and kelp help to give a person energy if they find themselves fatigued and worn down. Those that have low blood pressure will also find a nice perk-up from this combination.

Despite the fact that people with CFS need more sleep than average, insomnia is prevalent. Two herbs that help to improve the quality of a person’s sleep are skullcap and valerian root. These can be taken either together or separately; as both are highly effective.

While herbal supplements may not cure CFS, they can help mitigate the symptoms of an active bout, and hence, improve the quality of life. Many herbal supplements enhance the immune system, boost energy levels, and aid with mental functioning. Thus, selecting even one or two herbs may help the person with CFS to manage their symptoms effectively.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: burdock root, candida albicans, chronic fatigue syndrome, ginkgo biloba, Herbal Remedies, red clover