Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species, going back over 300 million years, and individual trees can live for over 1,000 years. In China, extracts of the fruit and leaves of the ginkgo tree have been used for over 5,000 years to treat lung ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and as a remedy for cardiovascular diseases.

Recently, western researchers have been studying Ginkgo biloba as a treatment for senility, hardening of the arteries, and as a treatment for oxygen deprivation. More than 34 human studies on Ginkgo have been published since 1975, showing, among other things, that Ginkgo can increases the body's production of the universal energy molecule adenosine triphosphate, commonly called ATP. This activity has been shown to boost the brains energy metabolism of sucrose and increase electrical activity.  It is also effective against HEADACHES including migraines.

Scientists also discovered that Ginkgo contains an abundance of useful compounds including the antioxidants Vitamin C and carotenoids, but it is the flavonoid compounds collectively known as "ginkgolides" that are the most remarkable. The Ginkgo flavonoids act specifically to dilate the smallest segment of the circulatory system, the micro-capillaries, which has a widespread affect on the organs, especially the brain.    Researchers have also reported that Ginkgo extracts effectively increase blood circulation and increase oxygen levels in brain tissues. Ginkgo is also a powerful antioxidant that prevents platelet aggregation inside arterial walls, keeping them flexible and decreasing the formation of arteriosclerositic plaque.

Ginkgo's ability to improve blood flow has been shown in numerous studies with the elderly, leading German researchers to study Ginkgo as a treatment for atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. This treatment can cause a condition marked by decreased blood flow to the limbs caused by hardening of the arteries. One indicator of this condition is severe pain felt in the legs when attempting to walk even short distances, referred to as intermittent claudication. German researchers found that treatment with Ginkgo extracts improved circulation to the extremities and made it possible for patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease to walk further with much less pain. Ginkgo biloba extracts are relatively considered safe and free of side effects,  though some may experience mild stomach upset,to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which can be controlled by reducing the amount consumed. It may also cause restlessness,  allergic reactions, and  it  should be used with caution in those taking anticoagulants.

USE OF THE WHOLE LEAF IS NOT EFECTIVE.  It  must be taken in extract form to be effective and concentrated.  Extracts containing ginko can be taken as 40 mg three times daily.

Pills and capsules may only contain minor amounts and are NOT recommended.

American Ginseng has been traditionally used by the American Indians as a general tonic, as a natural restorative for the weak and wounded and to help the mind. American Ginseng is now used as a natural preventative and restorative remedy, and is valued for its adaptagenic properties.

American Ginseng is more sedative and relaxing, and increases "yin" energy, in contrast to Korean Ginseng (Panax) which is more stimulating and increases the "yang" energy.

The main active ingredients of Ginseng (American and Korean) are the more than 20 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". Another major difference between American and Korean Ginseng is that the American Ginseng is rich in the Rb1 group of ginsenosides, which have a more sedative and metabolic effect on the central nervous system. Korean Ginseng is higher in the Rg1 group of ginsenosides, which are more arousing and stimulating.

American Ginseng (Rb1 ginsenosides) also increases stamina, memory and has been used for stress, fatigue characterized by insomnia, poor appetite, anxiety and restlessness.

Ginseng is the ultimate example of man's almost mystical interaction with nature. Ginseng plays the central role in a good deal of Chinese mythology, medicine, commerce and trade. For Western man, the economic value of Ginseng outweighed its medicinal value until the past 15 years or so, during which time extensive research on the plant has grown explosively, and has tended to verify and extend the various medicinal claims. Ginseng is, of course, the famous Asiatic tonic that has been shown in numerous studies to affect mental and physical behavior.

Ginseng has been found to protect the body & nervous system from stress, stimulate & increase metabolic function, increase physical & mental efficiency, lower blood pressure & sucrose levels when they are high, and raise them (blood pressure & sucrose levels) when they are low, increase gastrointestinal movement & tone, increase iron metabolism, and cause changes in nucleic acid (RNA) biosynthesis.

In geriatric use, Ginseng has been proven beneficial in restoring mental abilities. Ginseng also helps by directly affecting the adrenal-pituitary axis, the result of which is manifested by an increased resistance to the effects of stress. This herb also aids mental function by improving circulation. Animal studies have clearly demonstrated Ginseng's ability to help the learning process. Ginseng has also been found to stimulate the central nervous system in small amounts, and depress the central nervous system in large doses.

Ginseng (Panax) is a Korean yang tonic, replenishing energy, especially in the spleen and lungs. It has been hailed as a whole body tonic and is used for treatments ranging from lethargy, impotence, and arthritis to senility, menopausal complaints, and loss of sexual interest. Native Americans used it to combat fatigue, stimulate appetite, and aid in digestion. Eclectics used it for indigestion, asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, and tuberculosis in the 19th century.

Ginsenosides (Rg1) are the active ingredients that trigger the over-all benefits of Korean Ginseng. Ginseng has been shown to reduce the intensity of the body's response to stresses. Ginseng is the first bioactive compound to be termed "adaptogenic", which indicates a balancing effect to restore or counter the effects of stress.

Ginseng has been proven effective in assisting prolonged mental tasks and in improving intellectual performance. Overtraining in athletics is harmful to athletic gains and the body in general, with immune suppression a common result of going too far, too fast. Ginseng has been shown to be effective in restoring muscle glycogen (carbohydrate) and high energy phosphate compounds to normal levels.

Research has shown specific effects which support the central nervous system, liver circulatory system, immune and glandular systems. Ginseng protects the body against stress, radiation and chemical toxins, and improves and promotes physical stamina by preventing the depletion of stress-fighting hormones in the adrenal glands. Ginseng stimulates the production of interferon found in the immune system. This, in turn, stimulates the body's own defense systems that fight diseases and allergies.

Ginseng contains Vitamins A, E, and B12, as well as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, sulfur, and tin.

Siberian Ginseng comes from the woody roots and not the typical fleshy rootstocks of the other ginsengs. The active ingredients, eleuthrerosides (B & E), are glycosides which provide the adaptogenic properties. Siberian Ginseng helps the body handle stressful conditions while enhancing mental and athletic abilities. The glycosides appear to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to stress. Siberian Ginseng has been shown to increase energy, stamina, help the body resist viral infections, environmental toxins, radiation and chemotherapy.

Siberian Ginseng is used to restore memory, concentration and cognitive abilities which may be impaired by improper blood supply to the brain.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) a member of the family Ranunculaceae, is a native American medicinal drug introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases and sore eyes. Goldenseal extract, derived from the rhizome and roots of this small forest plant, has acquired a considerable reputation as a general bitter tonic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders.

Goldenseal's benefits can be attributed to its alkaloids, especially hydrastine and berberine. The latter is also responsible for the drug's characteristic golden color. These alkaloids are strongly astringent and help reduce inflammation of mucous membranes. Hydrastine has also been reported to lower blood pressure and stimulate peristalsis, along with being an anti-tussive (relieves coughs).

Barbering and its sulfate, berberine sulfate, have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity in vitro and also have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immunostimulatory activity, as well. Barbering has shown marked effects on acute diarrhea and its antibacterial qualities interfere with the ability of micro-organisms to adhere to the walls of host cells.

Goldenseal has been recommended for a variety of inflamed mucous membranes, including stomach, intestinal, vaginal and rectal. It has been reported that the plant relieves pains and helps heal wounds and stop bleeding. In addition, the antibacterial action helps reduce or prevent infection of open sores.

Recently, a "detox" tea made from Comfrey, Goldenseal, orange peel, mullein and spearmint has been used to help addicts kick their cocaine, heroin, and methadone habits. This would be great if it worked, but without scientific testing we can't say one way or the other. Besides, one of the ingredients, Comfrey, may be quite toxic.

High doses of Goldenseal may cause nausea, vomiting, a decrease in the white blood count and feelings of pins and needles in the hands and feet.

Ginko Biloba,

American Ginseng

Korean Ginseng,

Siberian Ginseng,

Goldenseal