Ginkgo is considered the world's oldest tree species, and has a high resistance to disease, insects and pollution. Ginkgo Biloba oxygenates the blood, increasing circulation and strengthening blood vessels. Chinese herbalists have recommended Ginkgo Biloba for over five thousand years to treat a variety of ailments. Anti-inflammatory properties present in Ginkgo Biloba are beneficial in the treatment of asthma. The positive effects that Ginkgo Biloba has on the brain and body have catapulted this herb to its current popularity among herbalists today. Ginkgo Biloba has been known to increase brain functionality, which may be beneficial for those who suffer from low concentration and memory loss. As a lung relaxant, Ginkgo Biloba eases coughing and reduces tissue inflammation. Ginkgo has also proven beneficial for treating painful headaches, ringing in the ears and vertigo. Additionally, Ginkgo Biloba has been known to reduce inflammation of the veins, including varicose veins. The leaves are an antioxidant, brain tonic, circulatory stimulant, kidney tonic, and rejuvenative. The nuts are an antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tussive, astringent, expectorant, and sedative. As with the properties, different parts of the plant have been used for many different medicinal purposes. The leaves have been used for Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, asthma, depression, hearing loss, impotence, memory loss, nerve deafness, pain, phlebitis, poor circulation, Reynaud's disease, stroke, tinnitus, varicose veins, vertigo, and vision loss. The nuts are used for asthma, bladder irritation, catarrh, diabetes, weak kidneys, incontinence, typhoid, tinnitus, tuberculosis, frequent urination, vaginal infection, and peripheral vascular disease. Ginkgo Biloba helps to relax blood vessels so that more nutrients can be delivered to the body. It helps the brain utilize oxygen and glucose better, and improves peripheral circulation, yet Ginkgo doesn't keep you awake. It increases cerebral blood flow and the rate at which information is transmitted. Ginkgo also has an anti-aggretory effect on blood platelets. |
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Gotu Kola is also known by the names Brahmi, Indian Pennywort, Chi-hsing, and Pai Kuo. Gotu Kola can be found in Africa, India, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia, and is a member of the parsley family (and does not contain cola or caffeine, as its name would suggest). It is a slender herbaceous creeper that inhabits marshy areas and can also be found along roadsides ditches. Gotu Kola has been used for hundreds of years in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. Gotu Kola has been important in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries. In Sri Lanka, it was purported to prolong life, as the leaves are commonly eaten by elephants. Gotu Kola is a rich source of vitamin K, and also contains magnesium, calcium and other nutritional properties. Traditional uses for Gotu Kola include applications for various skin disorders, mental and physical fatigue, expelling parasites, hysteria, asthma, and varicose veins. The active constituents present in Gotu Kola can differ depending on where the raw material was gathered. Glycosides found in Indian Gotu Kola include brahmoside, brahminoside and minor amounts of asiaticosides, whereas The Sri Lankan variety of Gotu Kola contains centelloside and triterpenic acids. Gotu Kola from Madagascar contains predominately asiaticosides and triterpenes. Gotu Kola has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system. It helps alleviate fatigue, and reduce the effects of depression and insomnia. Gotu Kola may also be used to increase brain function, improving concentration and memory. Gotu Kola has a positive effect on circulation, improving the flow of blood throughout the body and and strengthening the veins and capillaries. Antibiotic properties found in Gotu Kola support the immune system and are especially beneficial in treating a variety of skin problems. Gotu Kola has been used to relieve symptoms related to colds and respiratory problems, including congestion, fevers and sore throats. Gotu Kola may also be used to support the heart, and promote healthy liver and kidney functions. Gotu Kola is also used to strengthen the vascular system, to strengthen connective tissue, and to treat vascular inflammation. It has traditionally been used to treat leprosy, as it helps break down the waxy coating of the leprosy baccillis so that it can be destroyed. Gotu Kola helps to detoxify the body of chemicals and drugs, and it has a revitalizing effect on the brain cells and nerves. Gotu Kola can also help stimulate collagen production when used both internally and topically on the skin. This herb also improves wound healing time by stimulating cellular mitosis, and is therefore used to treat burns, scarring (including keloids), psoriasis and eczema. Gotu Kola is becoming more frequently used in cosmetics for its regenerative properties, including hair loss.
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