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An Interesting Herb Fact
Antioxidant Rich Milk Thistle Herbal Remedies
The plant milk thistle got its name because it has traditionally been used to stimulate milk flow from nursing mothers. The plant's scientific name is Silybum marianus and it has been used to make healing herbal remedies since the Middle Ages. The leaves of the milk thistle plant are distinctive for their white streaks, and they are said to symbolize milk. Milk thistle was also once used as a highly versatile vegetable, and today the plant is highly regarded by herbalists as an important...
Ginkgo Biloba and Historic Herbal Remedies
Ginkgo biloba is one of
the most popular herbal remedies in use today. It is also one of the
oldest plants used in herbal remedies. Many believe that Ginkgo biloba
dates back to over 200 million years ago. The plant is actually a tree.
To be more exact, the Ginkgo biloba tree is a deciduous conifer with
separate male and female forms. The Ginkgo biloba tree was first
introduced in Europe in the early 18th century where its popularity as
a favorite ornamental tree soared. In the 1980s, the plant began to
become very popular in Western medicine. The Western interest in Ginkgo
biloba began to grow when its potent actions on the cardiovascular
system were revealed.
Ginkgo biloba is comprised of several constituents. The leaves are
known to contain flavones glycosides, lactones, sitosterol,
bioflavones, and anthocyanins. Its seeds are rich in minerals, fatty
acids, and bioflavones. The leaves of the Ginkgo biloba are known to
relax blood vessels, stimulate the circulatory system, and they have
also been noted for their anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves are
often used to treat circulatory diseases, and they are well known for
improving blood flow to the brain. Recent research has demonstrated
that ginkgolide is as effective as many standard pharmaceutical drugs
that are used to treat severely irregular heartbeats. Other uses for
the Ginkgo biloba leave include the treatment of varicose veins, leg
ulcers, and hemorrhoids. The leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree also show
promise for helping reduce they symptoms of dementia that often
accompany Alzheimer's disease. The leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree
have now become firmly established in the herbal repertoire of all
herbalists. They are traditionally harvested in the summer time.
The seeds of the Ginkgo biloba tree are also used for herbal remedies.
The seeds of the Ginkgo biloba tree are especially popular in
traditional Chinese medicine. In China, the seeds of the Ginkgo biloba
are called bai gou. They are believed to act on the lung and kidneys
and are used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic disorders and all chest
problems that produce thick phlegm. The seeds of the Ginkgo biloba are
also believed to have a tonifying effect on the urinary system. Many
herbalists also recommend the seeds to treat problems of excessive
urination or incontinence.
Tinctures, infusions and fluid extract from the Ginkgo biloba leaves
are commonly prepared by traditional herbalists to treat a number of
ailments. Fluid extract from fresh Ginkgo biloba leaves are widely sold
in Europe to treat cerebral arteriosclerosis in the elderly. Tinctures
made from fresh Ginkgo biloba leaves are combined with other herbs such
as periwinkle and linden to treat a number of circulatory problems.
Many herbalists also combine the leaves of Ginkgo biloba with king's
clover to treat venous disorders. Herbalists also use Ginkgo biloba to
make an infusion that can turned into a wash for hemorrhoids or
varicose ulcers.
Doctors recommend caution when taking Ginkgo biloba. They recommend
that you do not exceed the stated dose, as too much can lead to skin
disorders, headaches, and even more serious disorders or problems. |
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