Bacopa Monnieri / Ginkgo Biloba

Bacopa Monnieri is also known by the common names Brahmi, Pennell, Herb-of-Grace and Water Hyssop. Bacopa is a small, creeping plant found in wetlands across India, and has been frequently mistaken for Gotu Kola. Traditional uses of Bacopa include cardiac and nerve tonic, insanity, headaches, scorpion stings, snakebites, anemia, leprosy, liver ailments, skin conditions and memory lapses. In use for several thousand years in the Ayurvedic tradition as a brain nerve tonic, Bacopa Monnieri is now being recognized for its memory enhancing and revitalizing effects. It also assists in heightening mental acuity and supports the physiological processes involved in relaxation. Bacopa is the source of an extract used in India for centuries. It has specific benefits for the brain, and specialists in Ayurvedic medicine commonly use it to treat mental illness and epilepsy. Bacopa appears to strengthen memory and improve concentration by enhancing the conductivity of nerve tissue. It also has mild sedative and antianxiety properties. Bacopa is often found in commercial formulas used for memory symptoms.

Ginkgo has been known to increase brain functionality, which may be beneficial for those who suffer from low concentration and memory loss. For this reason, Ginkgo Biloba has recently been used in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. 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. 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 it also improves peripheral circulation, yet Ginkgo doesn't keep you awake. It is said to increase cerebral blood flow and the rate at which information is transmitted. Ginkgo also has an anti-aggregatory effect on blood platelets. The primary known constituents of Ginkgo Biloba are flavonoids, ginkgolic acid, bilobetin, pro-anthocyanidins, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids, essential oil, fatty acid, tannin and resin.