Brain & Memory Adaptogen Tonic The herbs in this formula have been shown to increase mental and memory performance and also act as excellent adaptogens. Traditionally used to increase mental acuity and performance, concentration ability and brain functions while also helping to resist stress and better adapt to mental challenges. Also indicated for memory loss, senility, dementia and a wide variety of vascular conditions including varicose veins.

Contents Ginkola Plus: Chinese Ginkgo Leaf, Indian Gotu Kola herb, Chinese Schizandra Berry, Indian Ashwagandha root, Siberian Ginseng root, Peruvian Maca root, Brazilian Catuaba Bark, Korean Panax Ginseng root and Bilberry leaf in a base containing concentrated Bee Pollen extract. 20 to 45 drops 2-4 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

Ingredient descriptions:

Ginkgo Leaf (Ginko biloba)

Actions: Mental alertness, circulatory stimulant, antioxidant.

Common Use: One of the most interesting herbs of the last few years, Ginkgo improves brain function, including memory and alertness, protects blood vessels, im-proves circulation, and is a powerful antioxidant. Also acts on a wide range of vascular conditions, including verti-go, tinnitus, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, memory and concentration problems, diminished intellec-tual capacity due to insufficient circulation and complications of stroke and skull injuries. European studies have also shown Ginkgo Leaf to "correct erection failures" in 50% of the patients studied.

Gotu Kola herb (Centella asiatica)

Actions: Tonic, depurative, diuretic, alterative, adaptogen, circulatory tonic.

Common Use: Gotu kola is useful as a brain food to rebuild energy reserves and stamina. It can increase mental and physical power, combat stress and improve reflexes. It is known to relieve high blood pressure, and is said to be a valuable relief for depression and mental problems by helping with mental fatigue, senility, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and memory loss. Also neutralizes blood toxins and helps balance hormones and relax the nerves.

Chinese Schizandra Berry (Schizandra chinensis)

Actions: Tonic, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, deep immune activator, antioxidant.

Common Use: Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system and are cholinergic. There have been numerous reports on schizandra's ability to quicken reflexes, increase work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations). Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. A recent study concluded that schizandra may be a useful herb to reverse depression, particularly that due to adrenergic exhaustion. Recent research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys, including as an aphrodisiac ( kidney element). Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase acuity.

Indian Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera)

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimmulant, restorative, rejuvinator.

Common Use: In Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is considered the "Ginseng of India", said to "protect the organism from illness through maintaining the healthy balance of physical energies." Like other adaptogens, ashwagandha root exhibits an anti-stress effect, an immunomodulatory effect, it can enhance both short and long term memory, and it can strengthen the body's overall power of resistance. In sum, this Ayurvedic herb helps build immunity and is useful as a general tonic to enhance virility and vitality. Also indicated as exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties.

Siberian Ginseng Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus)Chinese Ciwujia

Actions: Adaptogen, circulatory stimulant, tonic, vasodilator.

Common Use: This herb may safely be used to increase stamina when under stress. After nearly a thousand studies, Siberian Ginseng has been shown to increase energy and stamina and to help the body resist viral infections, environmental toxins, radiation and chemotherapy. In Chinese Medicine it has been used to prevent bronchial, respiratory and viral infections, provide energy and vitality, increase resistance to stress, treat rheumatic and heart ailments, improve cardiovascular and neurovascular conditions and help restore memory, concentration and cognitive abilities which may be impaired from poor blood supply to the brain. Additionally Siberian Ginseng is a popular remedy for debility, depression, fatigue and nervous breakdowns. It has a growing reputation for increasing all kinds of body resistance. Also used to regulate low blood pressure and increase circulation. Excellent as a general tonic. Recommended to be taken for 3-6 months consecutively for best results.

Peruvian Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)

Actions: Nutritive, aphrodisiac, tonic, adaptogen.

Common Use: Peruvian Maca root, or Amazon Ginseng as it is sometimes referred to, is a vegetable root or tuber, related to the potato and the Mexican Wild Yam. Maca root has been used by the native Peruvians since before the time of the Incas for both its nutritional and medicinal properties. It contains significant amounts of amino acids, complex carbohydrates, vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and iron. This herb has been traditionally used to increase energy, vitality, stamina and endurance in athletes, promote mental clarity, as an aphrodisiac for both men and women, for male impotence, menstrual irregularities and female hormone imbalances, including menopause. Due to the number of steroidal glycosides present in Maca root it is gaining popualrity amongst weight lifters and body builders as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

Brazilian Catuaba Bark (Juniperis brasilinsis)

Actions: Aphrodisiac, nervine, tonic.

Common Use: The historic traditional use of this herbal tonic is legendary. Many say it is the most famous of all the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants. It is a strong tonic and nervous system fortifier. It is known for its general capability of giving strength and relieving fatigue. The effect is pronounced in men, especially as a libido enlivener. Many songs praising its wonders have been sung by the Brazilian Indians. It is often used in combination with Muira Puama for tonifying the male sexual and urinary organs, specifically as an aphrodisiac and for impotence. It has reported benefits in relieving insomnia from hypertension, restless sleeping patterns, and even in helping to arrest failing memory. There is a saying in South America that says, " Until a father is 60, the son is his; after that the son is Catuaba's." It is said that regular consumption of Catuaba bark over a period of time leads first to erotic dreams, which are later followed by increased libido. Catuaba is considered an "innocent" aphrodisiac, meaning no adverse side effects have been reported in its use. This herb combines well with Brazilian Muira Puama Root.

Panax ginseng Root (Panax ginseng)
aka Chinese and Korean ginseng

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, restorative, anti-oxidant, immune stimulant.

Common Use: Korean Ginseng has a high content of the Rg1 group of Ginsenosides which are arousing, stimulating and cause an increase in motor activity. This root has also been of benefit in conditions of tiredness, weakness, debility, convalescence, low resistance and aging. It acts on the adrenal and pituitary glands to help them respond to stress more rapidly and is also used to increase mental and physical work capacity, increase concentration and mental activity, enhance mental acuity and intellectual and physical performance and benefit the immune system among other things. May cause a slight insomnia if taken at bedtime.

Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Actions: Antiseptic, astringent, circulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.

Common Uses: Bilberry contains over 15 anthocyanosides which help to maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilize collagen and are also potent antioxidants. Numerous clinical studies have shown Bilberry to be effective in the relief of circulation disorders, varicose veins and other venous and arterial problems. Bilberry has also been promising in dealing with vision disorders, helping with eye strain and visual acuity, retinal disturbances, day and night blindness, myopia, pigmentary retinitis and diabetic induced cataracts. Studies have also shown that Bilberry can act as a coadjutant in hemo-ralopy and diabetic retinopathy and can stimulate rhodopsin production. Not recommended individually for long term use.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is a dense source of protein and is considered to be a complete food. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, protein, amino acids, hormones, enzymes and fats. It has long been used to increase energy and mental alertness, slow down the aging process and retain youthful energy. It is frequently taken by athletes to increase performance levels and there is some scientific evidence available that supports this claim. Available in formula only. Bee pollen may cause allergic reactions in some people.