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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.



GINKGO
(Ginkgo biloba)
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CAUTION! Can raise blood pressure in some individuals. Blood pressure should be monitored while using if susceptible to high blood pressure.

HARVEST: Leaves. The female trees produce foul-smelling fruit.

MEDICINAL:
Powerful antioxidant which protects against cellular damage by free radicals.
Considered a brain herb and useful for mental alertness.
Has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Considered healing and rejuvenating.
Increases blood flow to head and brain and has been used for cerebral circulation insufficiency; improves ability of neural transmitters to carry electronic messages. Has been used in this respect for the elderly and for senility, dizziness, and short term memory loss.
Has been used for tinnitus, depression, edema, and general arterial insufficiency.
Has been used for heart and lungs.
Said to help prevent heart attack and speed recovery from stroke.
Has also been used for coughs.




©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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