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Ginko

GINKO BILOBA ~ Maidenhair Tree dates back at least 200 miillion years. The wild Maidenhair tree has been extinct for years, but a cultivated version has survived in the Far Fast temple Gardens. Its' characteristics are those of a biller-sweet astringent. its' "Leaves" contain flavone glycosides (including ginkolide), bioflavones, sitosterol, lactones and anthocyanin. The "Seeds" contain fatty acids, minerals and flavones.

ACTlONS of the leaves; Relaxes blood vessels and is a circulatory stimulant. The seeds are astringent, antifungal and antibacterial.

In 1972 it was discovered that the herbs' ability to interfere with a substance within the body known as Platelet Activation Factory (or PAF) could have a profound effect on certain conditions related to PAF. Conditions such as; Asthma attacks, organ graft rejection, arterial blood flow, and the internal blood clotting involved in heart attacks and some strokes. By inhibiting the PAF, ginko was shown to exert great healing abilities, particularly those associated with "Aging".

Ginko is able to stimulate the blood flow to those areas most susceptible to circulatory problems due to aging and because of these areas' tiny blood vessels and often their remote locations (behind the eye, etc.). Therefore, Ginko has proven to be useful in relieving impotence (as per The Journal of Urology) caused by the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the penis. And in Macular degeneration, Cochlear deafness, Chronic ringing in the ear (tinnitus), Vertigo, and Asthma.

SAFETY FACTOR: Platelet activation factor plays a key role in blood clotting. Ginkos' PAF inhibiting action could become a problem for individuals who have clotting disorders. Excessive doses could also cause diarrhea, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Dosage, frequency of dosage and usage term is best left to the expertise of one who has studied the herbs.