In Germany ginkgo biloba is one of the top selling products among all medicines -- not just herbs! Purposes for which ginkgo is used include general brain insufficiency (memory, blood circulation), cold hands and feet, Alzheimer's disease, tinnitus, depression, eye function in glaucoma, reduced sexual function -- for men or women, and to help reduce free radicals, which cause damage to cells.

Ginkgo biloba was called a "living fossil" by Charles Darwin. This was because its unusual wedge-shaped leaves have remained almost identical for millions of years -- now known to be about 250 million years. Ginkgo is s slow-growing and hardy tree growing to a height of 60-120 feet (18-36m). Ginkgo's green, fan-shaped leaves turn golden in the autumn.

Ginko biloba produces catkins and small green flowers. The latter turn into unpleasant smelling fruits. Where ginkgo biloba trees are cultivated -- especially in China, France and USA -- the leaves are harvested by hand or by mechanical means.

Ginkgo is thought to be helpful for the poor memory many post menopausal women complain of because firstly it is thought to improve the circulation to the brain at the cellular level, and secondly ginkgo is known to be a powerful anti-oxidant. An anti-oxidant reduces cell damage caused by aging, and the effects of a less-than-perfect diet.

Another possible cause of poor memory during menopause is the effect of lowered oestrogen levels at this time; but this notwithstanding, it is worth trying ginkgo anyway for poor memory in menopause because of its good safety record. It's benefits as an anti-oxidant make it worthwhile for most people to take for a course of few months every year. This anti-oxidant effect may also help memory indirectly.

Another benefit of ginkgo at menopause time is that it improve libido for both sexes -- and reduced libido is something a fairly high proportion of woman complain of at menopause time.

Gingko has been used by millions of people over the past few decades for memory and other reasons and it is clear that it is a safe herb with very few adverse reactions or side effects reported.

The only concern reported with ginkgo is that it is suggested that ginkgo may increase the chance of bleeding if blood-thinning herbs, such as Warfarin, are being taken. Therefore it is suggested that ginkgo is avoided if such herbs are being taken, and also if you are due to have a surgical operation.

Menopause brings memory issues for many women. Given its widely accepted effects in raising brain function and improving memory as well as its reputation for improving mood, many women will find ginkgo well worth trying at menopause time.

To give it a fair try, use it for 2-3 months and assess the benefits for you.

Max Hill has been a practitioner in natural healthcare for over 20 years. He loves sharing what he knows about natural healing. For example, on his website www.herbal-menopause.com he gives comprehensive information about menopause symptoms as well as covering specific herbs such as ginkgo and menopause. There is additional information about other herbs in menopause, as well as about diet, exercise and relaxation especially related to menopause time. Take a look today - and get the benefit of Max's valuable knowledge and experience.