Ginko Biloba is often cultivated as an ornamental tree in streets and parks throughout the world for its beauty and long life. It is resistant to the pollution often found in big cities. This is hardly surprising when it is discovered that the plant has long been part of the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, being first cited as a medicinal agent more than 5,000 years ago, when it was known as the plant of youth for its general tonic properties.
To this day, in China, people inhale decoctions of the leaves to alleviate asthma and bronchitis, where it is known to be beneficial for the heart and lungs.
A systematic study of the plant was initiated in Europe around 1960 after several newspapers had reported that Mao Tse Tung had been greatly helped by it. Allowing for its extremely low toxidity, the extract was tested for its ability to improve central and peripheral circulatory disorders. It proved to increase blood flow in a large number of diseases related to depleted circulation, especially in the brain and lower limbs. With this sort of record, and its harmlessness, it is certainly worth a month’s try.
Other herbs which are known to have significant effects on various aspects of cardiovascular disease are: hawthorn berries, lily of the valley, broom, lime blossom, valerian, mistletoe and yarrow. To employ these, it is necessary to find a qualified herbalist who will utilize very great skills in treating aspects of this disease safely.
Herbalists, nutritional experts etc can usually be located by reading advertisements in local health publications or by writing to the publication for advice. Local health centres may help, as may health food shops. Some public libraries carry lists. Word of mouth is the best recommendation, but remember that what helped your colleague (even with the same condition) may not necessarily help you. Trial and error is the only way – your good health the goal. Never stay with a therapist you don’t like or respect or completely trust.
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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol
