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Ginkgo is considered the world's oldest tree species and has a high resistance to disease, insects and pollution. Ginkgo Biloba oxygenates 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 beneficial in the treatment of asthma. The positive effects that Ginkgo Biloba has on the brain and body have catapulted this herb into its current popularity among herbalists today. Ginkgo Biloba has been known to increase brain function, which may be beneficial for those who suffer from low concentration and memory loss. As a lung relaxant, Ginkgo Biloba eases coughing and reduces tissue inflammation. Ginkgo has also proven 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 leaves are antioxidant and act as a 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, depression, hearing loss, impotence, memory loss, nerve deafness, pain, phlebitis, poor circulation, Reynaud's disease, stroke, tinnitus, varicose veins, vertigo and vision loss. The nuts are used for asthma, bladder irritation, catarrh, diabetes, 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. It helps the brain utilize oxygen and glucose better, and 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, which helps to reduce clotting. |
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Hawthorne, sometimes spelled Hawthorn, is also known by the names
English Hawthorn, Whitethorn, Mayflower, May Bush, May Tree, Crataegus, Mayblossom, Quickset, Thorn-apple Tree, Quickthorn, Haw and May Day Flower. The botanical genus, Crataegus, is derived from the Greek, kratos, and Latin, crataegus, referring to the hardness of the wood. Hawthorne Berry comes from a small, spiny tree that
is native to all of Europe, the Mediterranean region, including northwest Africa and west and central Asia, and it now grows in many areas of North America. Throughout history, Hawthorne has had its reputation both as a symbol of hope... and as a symbol of evil. In Celtic folklore, fairies were said to have congregated in Hawthorne groves. At one time, Christianity regarded the plant as sacred, due to the belief that it furnished Christ's Crown of Thorns. Both the Greeks and Romans associated Hawthorne with marriage and fertility. Hawthorne Berries have been used since the nineteenth century to support the heart and to normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, Hawthorne is one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, and currently gaining wide acceptance in the United States. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include Vitamin C, flavonoids (Quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, saponins, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, tannins and crataegin. Hawthorne Berry appears to work best when taken as a preventative herb, possibly helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. With its bioflavonoid content, Hawthorne Berry best supports the heart and increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen and the heart's ability to utilize calcium. This herb can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure, in addition to slowly breaking down cholesterol and fat deposits in the body. The bioflavonoids help to strengthen the contractive force of the heart, and to gently dilate and relax the coronary blood vessels, improving overall circulation. For this reason, Hawthorne Berries have been used to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as increase low blood pressure. When used to support weight loss programs, Hawthorne helps to reduce water retention by expelling excess salt from the body. This botanical has also been known to reduce nervous tension, alleviate insomnia and aid digestion. Hawthorne can also be used to strengthen joint lining, collagen and spinal discs. The common name, Hawthorne, includes the species Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus monogyna, which may be used interchangeably. |
