Dear Friends,
Ginkgo is a tree that has been called a living fossil because though it exists today, its fossil evidence dates back 270 million years. As a matter of fact it is the only survivor in its evolutionary line, and the only plant in its family (Ginkgoacea). It was brought to America from China in the 1700s. It can survive freezing temperatures, drought conditions and heavy rainfall, however it doesn’t do well in arid climates.
Ginkgo belongs to a group of herbs known as adaptogens. This means it has a normalizing influence on the body as an agent that allows your body to counteract any adverse emotional, physical, chemical or biological stressor. Perhaps it is that adaptability that helped it survived for 270 million years.
The ginkgo leaf is highly valued in its ability to increase circulation to the entire body as well as the brain. It helps the blood vessels to relax and to expand, allowing blood to circulate with ease. This increase in circulation is thought to be the reason why ginkgo is so helpful in reliving migraines. In addition, ginkgo biloba extract possesses properties that prevent cholesterol from turning into plaque. This makes it an efficient tool to fight arthrosclerosis.
Recent studies with ginkgo have been promising in relationship to Alzheimer’s Disease and there are several theories on this. One is that it increases the circulation raising the oxygen level in the brain. It could also be due to ginkgo’s ability to help the body process cholesterol, preventing it from turning into plaque. Another theory is ginkgo’s capacity to neutralize free radicals that can ravage the brain.
People who have eye problems may also be interested in the benefits of ginkgo biloba. Retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration is an eye problem that may be cured by using ginkgo biloba tincture. Taking ginkgo leaf tincture by mouth seems to significantly improve symptoms of dizziness and balance disorders in some cases.
Ginkgo’s capability to increase circulation is useful in many circulatory diseases such as Reynaud’s syndrome. (An episodic condition characterized by a decrease in the blood supply to one or more extremities or digits.) Peripheral Vascular Disease, (a painful condition caused by blocked or limited blood circulation to the arms and legs)
Menopause brings with it a number of symptoms such as low libido, poor memory and cold hands and feet. Because of its beneficial effects in relieving these symptoms, more women are using Ginkgo biloba to ease their way throw this trying time.
Ginkgo is a very safe herb nevertheless it does have a thinning effect on the blood so other anticoagulants must be avoided while using ginkgo.
I use Ginkgo Biloba in my herbal tinctures, Happy Heart for supporting heart health, Migraine Remedy, self explanatory, and Wise Woman’s Way for hormone balancing and menopausal relief.
Love and Light, Lori
