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Ginkgo/Gotu Kola
Circulatory Enhancer |
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| This combination, containing the famous tonic herbs ginkgo and gotu kola, is designed to promote increased blood flow throughout the body while enhancing the body's ability to adapt to stressful conditions. Ginkgo is one of the most thoroughly studied of all herbal remedies, and widely considered to be one of the most effective herbal treatments, while gotu kola might be said to be an energizing adapter. Both herbs also provide considerable nutritional support to the body. The Ginkgo tree's resistance to atmospheric and water pollution, as well as insects and disease, allows it to reach ages of up to one thousand years, growing to heights of over one hundred feet. The very shape of the leaves, with their many fan segments, was thought to represent the human circulatory system by many early herbalists, who accordingly employed the leaves in the treatment of many circulatory diseases. Extensive clinical research conducted over the last twenty years has proved those beliefs. These studies have centered around an extract of the leaves called Gbx, which contains a mixture of flavonoid glucosides and terpene derivatives. Gbx has been shown to have a profound effect on the cardiovascular system, opening blood vessels to improve peripheral blood flow throughout the body. Ginkgo also inhibits platelet aggregation (reducing incidence of blood clots in the arteries and veins), inhibits the formation and destructive processes of free radicals in the blood and promotes oxygenation of senile muscular degeneration. By improving blood flow to the brain, ginkgo helps to prevent cerebral edema. The leaves also assists the functions of the nervous system, acting as an antispasmodic and a sedative. Ginkgo is a good herbal source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C, and is very high in chromium. Gotu Kola was, many years ago, considered responsible by herbalists in Sri Lanka for the longevity of large beasts such as elephants, who fed extensively on the plant's rounded leaves. The herb gained a reputation as a promoter of long life. The herb has been widely used in Indian medicine as a nerve tonic in the treatment of mental and nervous ailments such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and memory loss. The herb has also traditionally been used to treat leprosy. Gotu kola has been found to be a good herbal antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and adaptogenic (helping the body adapt to stress by normalizing body functions). Three main components provide gotu kola's primary effects: asiaticoside, which gives an antibiotic action by aiding in wound healing; brahmoside and brahminoside, which provide diuretic and-when taken in large doses-sedative effects; and madecassoside, which is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Gotu kola also contains theobromine, which is presumed to help increase oxygen to the brain, thereby promoting greater mental capacity and vitality. The herb may also increase circulation in the lower limbs, helping to reduce swelling. Gotu- kola has been confused with other kola nuts (Cola nidra or Cola nitida), which can contain up to 3.5% caffeine. Gotu kola is not related to these "true" kolas (which are used in cola drinks), and contains no caffeine. The herb is an excellent herbal source of aluminum, manganese, sodium, thiamine, crude fiber, and vitamin A. Usage: This formula is packaged as a concentrate in tablet form, and is recommended for daily use, to be taken with meals. Because the healthful action of both herbs in the combination is gentle and gradual, best results will be realized through extended daily use. Sources: The Energetics of Western Herbs by Peter Holmes (Boulder, Colorado: Artemis Press, 1989) "Ginkgo Biloba" in Natures Field (May/June 1989) "Ginkgo Biloba" in Sunshine Sharing (Vol. 2 No. 2)) "Gotu Kola" in Nature's Field (November/]December 1988) The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman (Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1991) Herbal Tonic Therapies by Daniel B. iviowrey, Ph.D. (New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1993) Herbs that Heal by Michael A. Weiner, Ph.D. and Janet Weiner (Mill Valley, California: Quantum Books, 1994) Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen (Warsaw, Indiana: Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1994) lleiner's Herbal by Michael A. Weiner, NI.S., -vi.A., Ph.D. (Quant= Books: Mill Valley, California, 1990) The Wild Rose Scientitic Herbal by Terry Willard, Ph. D. (Calgary, Alberta: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing, 1991) |
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