Ginkgo Biloba (24% Glycosides & 6% Terpene Lactones)

History and Uses:
Ginkgo is native to northern China, and the Ginkgo tree also grows in the southern and eastern United States, southern France and Korea. Ginkgo is considered the world's oldest tree species, and it has a high resistance to disease, insects and pollution. Historically, the leaves were often placed in books to repel bookworms. Ginkgo Biloba is said to oxygenate 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 thought to be 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. For this reason, Ginkgo Biloba has recently been used in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. As a lung relaxant, Ginkgo Biloba is said to ease coughing and reduce tissue inflammation. Ginkgo has also proven to be 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 different parts of this plant have different properties. The leaves are an antioxidant, brain tonic, circulatory stimulant, kidney tonic and rejuvenative. The nuts are antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, 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, blindness, blood clots, cerebral arteriosclerosis, deafness, dementia, depression, hearing loss, hemorrhoids, impotence, macular degeneration, memory loss, nerve deafness, pain in the extremities, phlebitis, poor circulation, Reynaud's disease, senility, skull injuries, stroke, tinnitus, varicose veins, vertigo and vision loss. On the other hand, the nuts are used for asthma, bladder irritation, catarrh, diabetes, diphtheria, dysentery, 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 and helps the brain utilize oxygen and glucose better. It also 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. The primary known constituents of Ginkgo Biloba are as follows: the leaves contain flavonoids (ginkgolide, quercetin, kaempferol), ginkgolic acid, bilobetin, proanthocyanidins, ascorbic acid and carotenoids; the nuts contain essential oil, fatty acid, tannin and resin.