HERBAL REMEDIES IN CANCER TREATMENT: GINGKO BILOBA AND GINSENG
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba, also referred to as maidenhair tree, is widely used in the orient to improve memory and slow down the ageing process. The maidenhair tree dates back more than 200 million years, making it the longest living tree species. It has long been extinct in the wild, existing only in Asian oriental gardens. It has only become recognized recently in the west for its amazing healing potential, especially on the brain.
Gingko’s active ingredients include ginkgolides, heterosides and quercetin. Gingko biloba’s main action is to improve circulation throughout the body, particularly cerebral and peripheral blood flow, thereby improving overall brain function.
Gingko is able to stabilize cell membranes and act as an antioxidant, mopping up and neutralizing cancer-causing free radicals. It not only destroys free radicals, it stops their formation and protects against free radical damage to the blood vessels, brain and heart.
Gingko increases oxygenation and is useful for depression, headaches, memory loss, tinnitus, leg cramps, asthma, eczema, heart disorders, kidney disorders and cancer. It has a strong ability to lower high blood pressure, improve memory and brain function, and prevent blood clots in the brain. Truly a miracle herb.
What is the best way to use gingko biloba?
• Herbal infusion – 50g of dried leaves with 500 ml of water.
• Tablets or capsules – 40 to 600mg/day in tablet form. Before purchasing Gingko biloba
tablets or capsules ensure that they contain at least 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene
lactones (mainly ginkgolides).
Ginseng is an ancient traditional herb used throughout Asia for centuries. People in Asia, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, use ginseng every day in tea, fresh herb or tablet form. Asian people believe ginseng improves energy levels, increases longevity and promotes a healthy sexual function. It also improves brain function, increases the body’s ability to cope with stress, normalizes blood pressure and lowers high cholesterol.
Ginseng is reputed to be useful in the prevention of cancer and acts as a general tonic for overall well-being and health. Shortly before I realized I had cancer, I lived in Thailand for five years, working as a natural health practitioner. I had the pleasure of meeting thousands of beautiful Asian people, and ginseng was without doubt, the most regularly used supplement in their lifestyle. I often asked the age of many Asian people and was shocked when discovering that most of them looked 20 years younger than their actual biological age. Further investigation revealed ginseng and green tea had been a major part of their diet for many years.
Ginseng has strong rejuvenating properties and is available in many different varieties, each exhibiting slightly different actions. It is thought to reduce many of the side effects associated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Panax ginseng, also known as American ginseng, has been shown in experimental studies to return cancerous liver cells to normal. Melanoma cells are believed to be reverted to normal by one of the chemicals in ginseng. American ginseng also aids in lung weakness, stimulates vital organs and helps to relieve fatigue.
Korean or Chinese ginseng strengthens the immune system, decreases fatigue by stimulating the adrenal glands and enhances mental function. It also strengthens the endocrine glands and builds vitality and resistance. The Asians attribute their amazing physical, emotional and mental endurance to the regular use of this variety of ginseng.
What is the best way to use ginseng?
• Chewing — the root of ginseng is often simply chewed.
• Herbal tea – put 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginseng in a cup of water, bring to the boil and
simmer gently for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times daily.
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