Thinking faster, feeling harder. Some herbal experts see ginkgo biloba as a male godsend. Not only does it seem to help solve erectile difficulties in some men but also it improves cognition (thinking ability). It does this by increasing blood flow without affecting blood pressure. It is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in Germany and France, says Adriane Fugh-Berman, M.D., former head of field investigations for the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and author of Alternative Medicine. It has been shown to help with memory problems, concentration difficulties, depression, and dizziness.
For the best results, take ginkgo in a 50-to-1 extract, says Dr. Willard. That means the label should say that it contains 24 percent flavonoid glycosides – the active ingredient that increases blood flow.
It’s best not to exceed 240 milligrams daily, warns botanist and herbalist James Duke, Ph.D., of Washington, D.C., in his book The Green Pharmacy. Higher doses can cause diarrhea and irritability.
Shrinking an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto helps, Dr. Tyler says. However, he warns that we should not self-diagnose prostate problems. Let the doctor do that, then discuss alternative treatments, he advises. If the problem is enlarged prostate, then consider the herb. In Germany, doctors prescribe saw palmetto and other herbal remedies nearly 90 percent of the time to relieve enlarged prostates.
Read saw palmetto labels carefully, Dr. Tyler advises, and purchase a brand that contains 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. The fatty acids and sterols contain the plant medicine that benefits prostate tissue, so you want to be sure that you’re getting a potent percentage of that. A usual dose is 80 to l60 milligrams twice daily, says Dr. Tyler.
Coping with depression. Several active principles in the herbal remedy Saint-John’s-wort are proving to be effective antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. It doesn’t work instantly, though. Although it can be taken as a tea, it is best consumed in capsule or tablet form, standardized on the basis of hypericin, a marker, not necessarily an active component, advises Dr. Tyler. Follow label dosage directions carefully. The antidepressant effect should be evident within six weeks.
Solving stomach upset. Ginger, the cooking spice and the flavor in real ginger ale, is a great stomach-soother and a pleasant motion-sickness preventive, says Dr. Tyler. This root can stop nausea quickly. You can make a tea with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, or with 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
Warning: It does have a pepper-like bite. If you prefer, you can eat some crystallized ginger candy. Or drink real ginger ale (not “artificially flavored”). For motion-sickness prevention, take the cure 20 to 25 minutes before you take off, of course.
Sleeping easier. Valerian is a mild tranquilizer that has been shown to help people fall asleep. And it doesn’t leave you with the morning hangover associated with other sleeping pills, Dr. Tyler says. Valerian smells terrible, so it is better taken in capsule form than in a tea. Follow the instructions on the label, advises Dr. Tyler.
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