Clinical trials have demonstrated that ginkgo preparations are effective in the treatment of arterial insufficiency, particularly in the lower limbs and brain. Patients with intermittent claudication showed significant improvements in pain-free walking time and maximum walking distance. Elderly patients with chronic cerebral insufficiency demonstrated a significant regression of major symptoms including vertigo, tinnitus, headache, short-term memory, vigilance and mood changes. Ginkgo has been shown to improve glucose utilisation within the brain. It improves the transmission of nerve impulses and increases alertness by increasing the brain's alpha wave rhythms and decreasing theta rhythms. It has a demonstrable effect on the venous system too and is used to treat conditions such as varicose veins. Ginkgo alleviates male impotence where the underlying cause is impaired blood circulation to erectile tissue; initial signs of improvement were seen to commence after 8 weeks of Ginkgo biloba supplementation and, after 6 months, 50% of patients had regained potency. Recent research has shown that the extract GBE from the yellow autumn leaves contains a vitamin that strengthens blood vessels, reduces the production of tissue-damaging free radicals and improves cellular energy. The bioflavonoids protect and maintain the integrity of capillary walls, inhibit lipid peroxidation within cell membranes, stabilise the cell membranes involved in the blood-brain barrier, destroy free radicals and inactivate their formation. Ginkgo has been shown to improve eyesight in senile macular degeneration and to neutralise the effects of oxygen free radicals produced in the eyes. Ginkgo is thought to alleviate allergies by inhibiting the activity of eosinophils, an action attributed to Ginkgolide B. Its ability to reduce inflammation may make it valuable in the future for conditions such as autoimmune problems, multiple sclerosis and organ transplants. Some anti-tumour activity against sarcoma in mice has been recorded.
Uses include rejuvenation; longevity; sexual potency; antidepressant; equalizes blood pressure; aids digestion; love spells; beauty; healing; protection.
Found also under its Latin name of Aframomum melegueta, or the more common names of Melegueta Pepper, Alligator Pepper, and Guinea grains or Guinea Pepper, Grains of Paradise was quite popular in medieval Europe. There, it was frequently used as a substitute for black pepper, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was most commonly used in this fashion in the larger population centers of Europe, particularly in Northern France. After this period, people largely stopped using Grains of Paradise in cooking practices, generally leaving it alone unless it was to spice sausages or add to the flavor of beer or gin, though it was taken up by medieval herbalists and doctors as a popular healing agent, and was regarded as a particularly useful treatment for the Humours. In African lore the seeds of Grains of Paradises are also regarded as a spice possessing magical properties, and are frequently spoken of as being of great value for spells of divination as well as rituals intended to determine guilt. In more modern culture, Grains of Paradise is rapidly becoming a popular spice in the culinary world once more, and has been featured as an ingredient by famous chefs and is featured as a flavoring agent in popular beers. Some have also turned to it within certain diets, such as the raw-food diet, as an alternative to Black Pepper and other such spices. This is due to the fact that Grain Of Paradise is generally less harsh to the digestive track than those spices, while providing a very similar flavor. This is a 1 oz packet of Grains of Paradise Seed.
Heart and circulation, acting upon the heart by either stimulating or depressing its activity depending upon the need. The precise mode of action which results in the dilating of the coronary blood supply and the tendency to slow down or stabilize the contractility of the heart muscle is not yet fully understood, but it is safe to use as a long-term treatment for a weak or failing heart, and has a beneficial effect on cardiac arrhythmias, especially extra systoles and paroxysmal tachycardia. Also a useful diuretic. Other clinical observations included a reduction in elevated blood levels of pyruvic and lactic acid, normalization of prolonged systole and prevention of ECG changes due to hypoxia. As a tonic for the circulatory system Crataegus finds its primary use in the treatment of hypertension, atherosclerosis and angina pectoris. It is also applicable to peripheral circulatory conditions, such as intermittent claudication and Raynaud's disease. The flavonoids in Crataegus are vasodilatory, as is the condensed tannin phlobaphene. These dilate the peripheral blood vessels and have a specific action on the coronary circulation. The cyanogenic glycosides are sedative and increase the parasympathetic (vagal) tone of the heart, thus slowing it down. Trimethylamine stimulates the pulse rate slightly, and has a peripheral vasoconstrictor effect. The sedative effects of the cyanogenic glycosides combine with the vasodilatory effects to lower high blood pressure, but the cardiotonic activity actually helps to raise low blood pressure. Crataegus does not contain digitalis-like substances, but is a gentle remedy requiring extended use. It should also be used in the follow-up therapy of myocardial infarction. Both the flowers and the berries are astringent and a decoction of these will help ease sore throats.
Uses include remedy for coughing/bronchitis, colds, flu; expectorant; revitalizing tonic; sacred to Horus; protective; helps clarity during ritual; stimulates creativity/inspiration; balances personal energies.
Traditionally used as an herbal component in a potent ritual used for cursing ones enemies, Jezebel root is also well known for its ability to aid and empower spells attracting wealth and business. In times past, it was also used by prostitutes to attract and control men, and modern woman have been known to borrow from this traditional power to attract a wealthy man into their life. This is a 4 oz packet of chippedJezebel root, each of which is approximately 1 inch long, though size may vary.
Uses include digestion problems; intestinal cramps; diuretic; arthritis; banishes all things injurious to good health; attract good, healthy energies and love; protection.
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