| For example, ginkgo enhances circulation in the microscopic blood vessels of the body, including those in the eyes and the brain. But it's also a potent antioxidant, meaning that it cleans up free radicals, a type of cellular waste product that attacks body tissues.
It's helpful to understand a few of these action-type categories in choosing an herbal remedy.
Specifics and Tonics
These two broad terms refer to whether an herb targets a particular symptom or enhances the health and efficient operation of a whole organ or body system. Valerian, for example, is a specific for insomnia. |
Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman
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 A
400 mg vitamin E
Herbs: ginkgo biloba, ginseng, astragalus
Other: Blue-green algae for chlorella and spirulina, and wheat grass Drugs: 50 mg DHEA every other day
Dietary Protocol: Vegetarian with protein supplementation, fresh fruit twice day, no alcohol, little fried food, no meat, fish or eggs, 1 cup of tea/day.
Sleep: Usually 7 hours
Relaxation: Advanced Kundalini yoga, meditation and prayer daily
Stress Reliever: Go to movies and take a day off
Mental Exercise: Memorize things for cognitive exercise
Personal Secret: I love life and love the life I live. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
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 Ginkgo leaf also acts on serotonin and has been shown to relieve depression in the elderly.
• Bacopa, gotu kola, and white peony root can increase cognitive function.
• Siberian ginseng root bark can improve mood and general physical energy.
• The combination of shilajatu and ashwagandha root, mentioned earlier, can be useful for depression.
• I often find that depression relates to dampness and/or mucus accumulation. Look for a greasy coating on the tongue and a slippery pulse. In these cases I use herbs such as pinellia tuber and tangerine peel. |
| Among the many, many herbs that seem to help stabilize or inhibit the activity of mast cells are shilajatu, aguru wood, licorice root, ganoderma mushroom, ginkgo leaf, cooked rehmannia root, er bu shir tsao herb (Centipeda minima), lavender oil, xi xian cao herb (Siegesbeckiapubescens), gunja seed (Abrus precatorius), katuki rhizome (Picrorhiza kur-roa), salvia root, devadaru (Cedrus deodara), aged garlic extract, andrographis (chuan xin lian or A. paniculata), vasaca leaf (Adhatoda vasica), and milk thistle seed. |
| The herb is standardized because it is necessary to remove some slightly toxic phytochemicals from ginkgo before use, though the level of concentration does not need to be very strong. Nai-shing uses a 5:1 powder concentrate in her formulas, and I often use the 1:2 tincture. No adverse effects have ever been reported in these benign forms. I think these lower concentrations are best if you are creating a formula and want a milder medicine. I have found that well-prepared organic tinctures can often produce the desired results in very low dosage. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 Effect of ginkgo Biloba on Fluidity of Blood and Peripheral Microcirculation in Volunteers," Arzneimittelforschung, 40(5), May 1990, p. 589-593.
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients suffering from peripheral arteriopathy experienced significant improvements in degree of pain free walking distance, maximum walking distance and plethylsmography recordings relative to controls.
—U. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
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| Research Highlights
• Researchers performed a meta-analysis of all studies of ginkgo treatments for cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients. They concluded that there was a "small but sig-
I remember one patient who experienced a sudden vision loss caused by optic ischemia. After prednisone treatment failed to prevent the loss of vision (down to 20/200) during the first week, three ophthalmology specialists insisted that nothing further could be done and that the damage was permanent. Dr. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
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 Ginkgo has become one of the most popular herbs in the West because of the unique ability of the concentrated extract of the leaves (24:1) to improve cerebral blood circulation and blood circulation generally. Because of this ability, it has become widely accepted as a treatment to prevent or lessen the effects of senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
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 On another scale, measuring more social and functional skills, the ginkgo group improved by almost the same amount that the placebo group had deteriorated! The two lines on the chart were like a reverse image of each other, one going up and the other sliding down. For anyone who has had to help a parent dress himself or herself or go to the bathroom simply because the elderly appear to forget what they are doing in the process, those kind of results hold tremendous hope. |
| Aside from preventing free radical damage, ginkgo relieves the effects of asthma and allergies by blocking a chemical called PAF (platelet activating factor). PAF is released as a normal immune system response when the situation calls for blood to clot, infection to localize a germ, or mucous membranes to secrete. But your body can overreact. When it does overreact to things like dust or pollen, we have an allergic response. |
| Most recently, studies have caused a great controversy about ginkgo as a brain stimulant, and possibly as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Can we inhibit the Aging Process on the Brain?
We can inhibit the aging process. The brain ages just as other organs do, but it does appear that the aging brain may be able to regenerate itself somewhat. Most important in keeping the brain young is that one must continue to challenge the function of one's brain. You need to continue to stimulate your brain through constructive mental activity. Resist being a "mental couch potato." Read books. |
| Garlic and ginkgo biloba are examples. A detailed discussion of these wonder herbs follows in chapter 5. Other herbs have antioxidant-like qualities in that they have a major influence on the nervous system. Catnip, hops, valerian root, kava kava, and passion flower are just a few for you to consider.
Put simply, the best way to fight stress is to improve your diet. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables. Drink their juices for immediate vitamin, mineral, and enzyme uptake. Avoid processed foods, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, and junk food. |
| If taken early as a preventive, ginkgo may help to avoid the problem altogether. I recommend 40 to 80 mg daily.
Bilberry extract is associated with improved eyesight in many ways. In particular, it is able to cross-link collagen fibers to strengthen capillary walls. It also plays a crucial role in the formation of retinal purple, the pigment that filters the blue spectrum of light, which does the most damage to the eye. I recommend 100 to 500 mg daily.
Carotenoids have been associated with a 43 percent drop in the incidence of macular degeneration. |
| Other important antioxidant substances found in the diet include:
• proanthocyanidins, in grape seeds
• herbs like ginkgo biloba and garlic
• quercetin, found in zucchini, squash, and green tea
• lycopene from tomatoes
• the trace minerals selenium and germanium, and many other naturally occurring substances, some as yet unidentified.
We will learn about these and other antioxidants and how they work in chapter 5.
But how and why do ROS attack cells? And how does the antioxidant system work to counteract this attack? |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
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| Contraindications: ginkgo biloba should not be used when there is excess or cold and dampness and should be used with caution when there is slimy, difficult-to-expectorate sputum. This herb should not be used in large doses or for long periods of time.
Dose: 6-9 grams
Note: This is a beautiful but slow-growing tree and the only living member of the oldest living tree species on the earth. It is easily grown in most areas and seems to have an extraordinary ability to withstand climatic and environmental stress. |
| Various shade and fruit-bearing trees, such as the mulberry (sang shen), mimosa (he huan pi), dogwood (shan zu yu), jujube date (da zao), and ginkgo (bai guo), are also found outside the Orient. Rock-garden enthusiasts commonly use herbs such as ophiopo-gon (mai men dong), fritillary (chuan bei mu), pinellia (ban xia), and bai-kal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis, or huang qin). |
| We have scientifically corroborated the value of the ginkgo tree—as one of the oldest surviving species on the earth—in the treatment of conditions associated with aging and the promotion of human longevity.
Substances That Calm the Spirit
SUBSTANCES THAT ANCHOR, SETTLE, AND CALM THE SPIRIT
Because the spirit represents the mind, herbs that are said to anchor, settle, and calm the spirit are commonly used for heart qi and blood deficiency. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 Twenty patients reporting a positive effect to ginkgo biloba extract (14.6 milligrams twice daily) after 2 weeks were recruited for the double-blind study. Patients were given either the GBE or placebo for 2 weeks and then crossed over into the other group. Evaluation indicated that six patients preferred GBE, seven preferred placebo, and seven had no preference.
On the surface, this study would seem to indicate that GBE is not effective in the treatment of permanent severe tinnitus. However, closer examination reveals that the GBE treatment was bound to fail: First, the dosage used (14. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
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| Caution is still wise, of course, and I do not suggest taking ginkgo if you are on blood-thinning medications, unless you consult a qualified health care practitioner.
I have found it very valuable for improving mental alertness and mood in some elderly patients, though I seldom use it alone. If taken in excess it can sometimes cause irritability. I have rarely found it to be an effective memory enhancer in younger persons with good circulation, though scientific reports do show some benefit to short-term memory. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 Look for a standardized product containing 24 percent ginkgo flavoglycosides with 6 percent terpene lactones as the active ingredients. Taking a 40- to 80-milligram capsule three times a day can provide significant improvement, especially for those over 50.
ST. JOHN'S WORT: For Anxiety and Irritability
According to Dr. Mayo, St. John's wort has been shown in studies to be more effective than traditional antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. Take 100 to 300 milligrams of a supplement standardized for 0.3 percent hypericin three times a day. |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
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 Patients were tested for cognitive function, memory, and concentration, and those taking ginkgo biloba improved significantly in all categories over a one-month period.
As you can see, relatively simple nutritional changes can have a profound effect upon the function of the brain.
Stress Management and Brain Regeneration
It is critically important for people suffering from memory loss to reduce their stress levels. Continued stress creates further neurological damage. |
Lita Lee, Lisa Turner and Burton Goldberg
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 Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) and ginger (Zingiber officinalis): for poor circulation
?Ginkgo biloba: for all cardiovascular problems, including hardening of the arteries, poor circulation, and stroke
?Coleus forskohlii: for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and angina; has also been shown to stimulate the release of thyroid hormone31
CHILDREN'S HEALTH PROBLEMS
The following health conditions (bed-wetting, infant colic, and hyperactivity/ADD) are found either solely or predominantly in children. For other problems common to both children and adults, please refer to the specific condition. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 It should be used in conjunction with corrective changes in diet and lifestyle, and specific blood-pressure-lowering supplements such as hawthorn berry, ginkgo, magnesium, and calcium.
^ High Cholesterol
The most popular use of garlic is to protect against cardiovascular disease. Many studies have shown that garlic lowers total cholesterol and scientists believe it does this by interfering with the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D.
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 Reynaud's Syndrome: Biofeedback (temp trainer); acupuncture; elim: alcohol, tobacco, and coffee, all of which can cause vasoconstriction; Vit E 400-800 IU daily; fish oil or EPO; magnesium 200 mg and taurine 250 mg thrice daily; Hmp: rprtz/esp Sepia, Secale; Hrbl: ginkgo.
Sciatica: Fear/first-chakra issues. Acupuncture; YRx: posterior stretch, child's pose; TS: CF, MP; Soothe vata with oil massage of feet; CPM: when cold extremities, Guan Jie Yan Wan; vit C, Bj, B12; Hmp: Colocynth 30C, pain hip to knee in elderly: Kali carb; see also Low Back Pain.
Seasickness (see Motion Sickness). |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| DOSAGE
As a standard dosage, I recommend a ginkgo extract standardized to 24% fiavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Dosages used in studies range from 120 milligrams to 360 milligrams daily. Most of my patients take 60 milligrams two to four times daily, for a daily total of 120 to 240 milligrams. The vast majority report beneficial results.
For severe cases, like early-stage Alzheimer's disease, I recommend that people take 240 to 360 milligrams daily. |
| I've had good results with ginkgo, grape seed, bilberry, hawthorn, witch hazel, pycnogenol, and vitamin C. But at the top of my list is horse chestnut.
As the baby-boom generation continues to age, conditions like varicose veins will receive more attention from the medical and natural health communities. This condition occurs when the minuscule valves in veins begin to weaken. Instead of supporting the flow of blood that's making a return trip to the heart, the tiny valves allow a backwash that results in pooling. |
Bill Gottlieb
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| If you are taking a blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin), however, do not use ginkgo.
VITAMIN E: Improves Circulation
Dr. Rothfeld has all of his intermittent claudication patients take 400 international units of vitamin E daily. He says that studies have shown that people with intermittent claudication who took that level of vitamin E every day could walk farther without pain. "It probably works by making blood less 'sticky/ improving circulation," he says. It's safe to take this long-term. |
| Ginkgo, for example, has been shown to improve memory by affecting circulation, but large doses of the herb may cause problems for an elderly or sensitive person who is taking a blood-thinning medication at the same time. For maximum safety, herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified herbal practitioner.
Homeopathy
WHAT IS IT?
Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine that was developed in the 1800s by the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann. This system of medicine is based on an ancient principle called the Law of Similars. |
| Combine 1 ounce each of tinctures of bilberry, coleus, dandelion, eyebright, ginkgo, and milk thistle in a large bottle. Take 1 teaspoon twice a day for 3 to 6 months.
Natural Remedies Have Clout with Gout
I magine that some of the liquid in your body suddenly turned I into glass—and the glass shattered.
That's similar to what happens when you have a gout attack. Some of your body's uric acid, a normal by-product of pro-
GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL CARE
Since gout is not a life-threatening condition, Gus Prosch, M.D. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 Ginkgo biloba extract has also been shown to enhance stroke recovery.71"74
Considering Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery or Angioplasty
If you have had a heart attack or are experiencing angina (chest pain), your physician is probably urging you to have an angiogram (cardiac catheterization) or is recommending coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty. However, before electing to have these procedures performed, examine the benefits and risks carefully. Please see the chapter on Angina for a complete description and alternative therapies. |
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