The oldest alive tree herbals forms is Ginkgo Biloba. Excavations of fossils of Ginkgo Biloba show them to be 5000 years older and even more. One single tree can have a life of a thousand year.
There is a strong odor in it's fruits and there is inner seed in every leaf, consuming the leaf can lead to human poisoning. For centuries Chinese people used both the seed and the leaf as herbal medicine, but modern researchers have discarded this and mainly focused attention on basic Ginkgo Biloba herbals extract, derived from green leaves after being dried up.
There are as many as 40 odd materials available in Ginkgo Biloba herbals tree, but just 2 out of those many can be of any benefit to human suffering, the 2 being terpenoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are influential in antioxidant effects.
Reports have supported the same and say it helps protecting retina, blood vessels, heart muscle and nerves from damage. Terpenoids help increasing blood circulation by opening blood vessels and dipping the tackiness of platelets.
Flavonoids is a definite antioxidants which are immensely helpful in removing free radicals that float present in out bodies, these radicals possess threats to human health and can effect normal system functions.
Environment too has its share in causing damage to us like cigarette smoking, air pollution, radiation and ultraviolet rays shall have a telling effect on our bodies and these threatening free radicals can lead to heart diseases, cause aging, cancer, cell death & Alzheimer's disease.
There are various studies being conducted across the globe to find the diseases that Ginkgo Biloba herbals can be applied in. We know now that Ginkgo Biloba herbals is useful in treating dementia, hair loss, circulatory problems and hair loss but researchers are trying to widen the scope of its benefits to alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, blood vessel disorders, chronic rhinitis, atherosclerosis, hearing loss, high blood pressure, respiratory tract illnesses, concentration deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, cataracts, bronchial asthma, anti-rheumatic, migraine, high cholesterol, heart disease, labor induction, schizophrenia, congestive heart attack, coronary heart disease, menstrual pain, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, blood clots, freckle-removing, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, cough, dermatitis, fatigue, hepatitis B, angina, genitourinary disorders, anxiety, mood disturbances, acute cerebral infarction, retinopathy, anti-bacterial, autoimmune disorders, oral cavity cancer, acidosis, anti-parasitic, diabetes, indigestion, allergies, anti-fungal, dysentery, breast disease, bronchitis, insomnia, varicose veins, skin sores, eczema, hypoxia, sepsis, scabies, ulcerative colitis, swelling, headache, seizures, thrombosis, heart attack and aging.
There exist few side effect but benefits will always out number side effects. Headaches and gas related discomfort may be experienced. Suppose you consume anti-depression drug (these are monoamine-oxidase inhibitors in character) then a negative counter reactions could be possible. You could be risking some kind of bleeding and if you at all have a clotting disorder then it should be strictly avoided.
If going through lactation or pregnancy then too should be avoided. Headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, in few cases you might get rashes or feel itchy and nausea are few other possible side effects. To be on safer side visit your doctor and consult him/her before you starting the medication of any herbal remedies.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Ginkgo Biloba Properties And Benefits
Siberian Ginsing
Siberian ginsing is not really ginsing at all, in fact, it comes from a completely different genus than American or Asian ginsing. Siberian ginsing's genus and species are Eleutherococcus senticosus. A Russian scientist in the 1940s described Siberian ginsing as a plant that could be as useful as the Panax plants.
Russian research and historical evidence shows that Siberian ginsing is useful in bolstering athletic performance, probably from the plant's chemicals called glycosides which initiate stress response in the body. This serves to energize and give stamina to athletes.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Herbals cures to combat fatigue
Coffee is the strongest natural form of caffeine. However, coffee is addictive and drinking more than three cups a day could lead to problems such as jangled nerves and diarrhea.
Other sources of caffeine include colas, tea, cocoa, and South-American beverages such as yerba mate. Although tea has comparatively lesser caffeine, it contains more of Theophylline, which in its pure form, is used to treat Asthma. Like caffeine, it causes nervousness, insomnia and increased heart rate.
However, in cases of stress-induced fatigue, which could lead to loss of sleep at night an exhaustion during the day, folk practitioners prescribe variety of herbal relaxants, including valerian and lavender.
Black Tea: A cup of black tea contains about 30mg of caffeine. About two doses (60mg) of this tea act as a stimulant increasing activity of central nervous system. The tea can be prepared by pouring a cup of boiling water over one and a half teaspoon of black tea leaves. Allow it to steep for five minutes. Strain and drink.
Valerian: It is a sleeping aid which has been in use for more than 2000 years now, and has been helpful in treating stress-induced fatigue. Pour one cup of boiling water to ½ to 1 teaspoon of minced fresh roots, or mix a few drops of valerian extract or tincture into a glass of warm water. This makes a good bedtime tea. However, it is not advisable to be used for longer than two weeks.
Lavender: The herb has been well-known as a calmative. The dried flowers or an extract of the herb can be added to warm bath water, just prior to bed time. The oil too can be dabbed on to the temples before bedtime.
