Juicing For Health - Ginkgo Biloba
Name
Ginkgo biloba also known as Bai Guo, Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo Nut, Kew Tree, Japanese Silver Apricot, and Yinhsing.
Parts Used
Leaves, Seed.
Information
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species that can be traced back over 300 million years ago and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. Ginkgo is a commonly used herb in traditional chinese medicine for improving memory and circulation.
Traditionally Ginkgo Biloba has been used to improve memory or cognition, alzheimer's disease, asthma, depression, allergies, dementia, eczema, headaches, heart and kidney disorders, tinnitis, impotence, macular degeneratio, raynaud's disease, vertigo, fatigue, varicose veins, and improving circulation.
Benefits
- Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
- Circulation
- Impotence
- Macular Degeneration/Glaucoma
- Memory Enhancement/Brain Tonic
Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia and other memory disorders. It was originally thought its benefits stemmed from its ability to improve blood flow to the brain. More recent research suggests that ginkgo works directly to protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimer's disease. A number of studies have found that gingko has a positive effect on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia.
Several studies have found that ginkgo may be as effective as prescription Alzheimer's medications in delaying the symptoms of dementia.
Ginkgo Biloba is considered one of the best herbs to improve blood circulation. A wide range of its benefits are thought to stem from its ability to increase blood flow. Increased blood circulation can lower your risk of many health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
Ginkgo was shown to help patients with intermittent claudication (pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs), patients were found to walk 34 meters further and that ginkgo was as effective as pharmaceutical medication in relieving the pain.
Ginkgo appears to be effective in the treatment of vascular related impotence. Poor circulation and impaired blood flow is one of the main causes of impotence in males and since ginkgo improves blood flow it has found to help over 50% of patients after 6 months use.
Ginkgo contains flavinoids which may help stop or reduce some retinal problems. Studies have shown glaucoma patients had improved vision after supplementing with ginkgo.
Ginkgo Biloba is commonly thought of as a "brain tonic" to boost memory and enhance cognitive performance. Studies have shown improved memory in patients with dementia, but it is not well known if these benefits translate over to healthy people. Some studies have found slight benefits, while other studies have found no effect on memory.
Side Effects/Precautions
Ginkgo Biloba is generally considered a safe herb, some minor side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions.
Although rare more severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported. Individuals with a history of strong allergic reactions to poison ivy, mangoes, and other urushiol-producing plants are more likely to experience an adverse reaction when consuming Ginkgo-containing pills, combinations, or extracts.
Ginkgo may have undesirable effects, especially for individuals with blood circulation disorders and those taking anticoagulants such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or warfarin, although recent studies have found that ginkgo has little or no effect on the anticoagulant properties or pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects.
Ginkgo should also not be used by people who are taking certain types of antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or by pregnant women, without first consulting a doctor.
Product Information
Here below are some links to good sources of ginkgo biloba supplements.
- A.Vogel Ginkgo biloba Herbal Tincture 100ml
- Doctors Best Ginkgo Biloba - Extra Strength - 120 x 120mg
Back To Herb Guide