Anyone can benefit from the use of Ginkgo, whether they are already experiencing the effects of aging on mental function, or just approaching that point. In addition, the herb is quite safe even in doses many times higher than those usually recommended.5 From the experimental and clinical findings it appears that the herb may act on a number of major elements in the causation of both Alzheimer's and dementia. Current ideas about causes of Alzheimer's include (amongst other things) free radical damage, vascular insufficiency, ischemia, cholinergic and noradrenergic dysfunction. Clinically Ginkgo is active on circulatory functions, on neuronal and metabolic consequences of ischemia and hypoxia, on neurotransmission, and on membrane resistance to free radical damage. All of clinical studies so far confirm that the diverse physiological effects of Ginkgo lead to positive effects on behavior, sense of well-being, decreased hospitalization and capacity for self-sufficiency. Free radicals have been implicated in the aging process and degenerative disease. The flavonoids of ginkgo, including quercetin, are extremely potent oxygen scavengers. Possessing a particular affinity for the central nervous system as well as the adrenal and thyroid glands, the herb is ideal for protecting the heart, blood vessels, and brain against the destructive impact of free radicals.
- In one in vitro study it destroyed free radicals, blocking their formation and inhibiting membrane lipid peroxidation, a destructive effect for which free radicals are partly responsible. The herb also stimulates the biosynthesis of prostanoids, vaso-dilators having a hypotensive effect.
- One of the side-effects of diabetes in rats is the gradual impairment of eye sight, thought to be due to free oxygenated radicals damaging the retina. Ginkgo significantly prevented the onset and severity of this damage.
- Ginkgo improved visual acuity in patients suffering from senile macular degeneration, a condition that involves free radicals damage.
- A protective effect against argon laser induced damage of retinal cells was found. Pretreatment with Ginkgo, by capturing free radicals, prevented significant tissue damage.
Clearly Ginkgo could be important herbal contribution to the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The French workers suggest that this herb fulfills the conditions laid down by the W.H.O. concerning the development of drugs that are both effective and safe against cerebral aging.6It would seem that yet again the plant kingdom is truly supplying our needs.
Digestive System
A wide range of remedies appropriate for digestive problems in Elders exist. Of the many possibilities, please review these remedies and ensure their various actions are familiar to you :
Agrimonia vulgare (Agrimony)
Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Carduus marianum (Milk Thistle)
Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss)
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
Gentiana lutea (Gentian)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Rumex crispus (Yellow Dock)
Symphytum officinale (Comfrey )
Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm)
Treatments outlined in the chapter on digestive problems are relevant here. Please refer to the following sections :
It is in the area of general symptomatic relief of digestive upsets that herbs have so much to offer. Using safe, normalizing herbal remedies it is possible to avoid the complication of side effects and minimize paradoxical reactions or synergistic drug interactions. This is especially the case where the digestive symptoms are produced by essential allopathic medication. A review of the sections indicated above will be helpful here.
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Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it 
