Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular herbal remedies in use today. Like many other herbs, our ancestors have known of and taken advantage of its healing properties for centuries. Doctors recommend caution when taking this herb, as it is extremely potent. Symptoms of overuse include skin disorders, headaches, and other issues. Taken with respect for dosing guidelines, and awareness, Ginkgo Biloba can vastly enhance your alternative healing medicine cabinet.
The Ginkgo Biloba tree is the sole survivor of an entire genus of related trees, and therefore truly in a class all by itself. Fossil records indicate this tree flourished before and during the dinosaur era. Unlike the dinosaurs, and many other life forms, Ginkgo Biloba survived virtually unchanged. Aside from being an incredible survivor, the nature of this tree runs contrary to almost every other plant on Earth. To begin, it is a deciduous conifer; meaning its leaves fall off every year, unlike a pine tree. The Ginkgo tree also comes in female and male genders; with the later having motile sperm. In modern times, there are only a few samples of wild trees reported to be left in the Shandong province of China. Not only are some of these trees reputed to be over 3,000 years old, they sport aerial roots that took hundreds of years to develop.
The Ginkgo Biloba tree was first introduced in Europe in the early 18 th century where it gained immense popularity as an ornamental tree. In the 1980s, researchers discovered the potent effect extracts from this tree have on the cardiovascular system.
Almost every part of the tree has medicinal properties. The leaves are known to contain flavones glycosides, lactones, sitosterol, bioflavones, and anthocyanins. The main therapeutic function is the relaxation of blood vessels and stimulation of the circulatory system. Hence, the observation that Ginkgo improves mental function, as it improves blood flow in the brain. Continued research on this front holds promise for isolating a compound that will reduce, or perhaps even alleviate the symptoms of dementia that often accompanies Alzheimer's disease. Fluid extract from fresh Ginkgo Biloba leaves are already widely sold in Europe to treat cerebral arteriosclerosis in the elderly.
Recent research has demonstrated that ginkgolide, a compound found in the leaves, is as effective as many standard pharmaceutical drugs currently used to treat irregular heartbeats. Tinctures made from fresh Ginkgo Biloba leaves are combined with other herbs such as periwinkle and linden to treat a number of circulatory problems. Many herbalists also combine the leaves of the Ginkgo tree with king's clover to treat venous disorders.
Other uses for the Ginkgo Biloba leave include the treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, inflammations, and hemorrhoids. For these ailments, herbalists make an infusion that can be turned into a wash.
The Ginkgo Biloba seeds are also rich in minerals, fatty acids, and bioflavones. The seeds are especially popular in traditional Chinese medicine, and are called bai gou. They are believed to act on the lung and kidneys and are used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic disorders, and all chest problems that produce thick phlegm. The seeds of the Ginkgo tree are also believed to have a toning effect on the urinary system, and are useful in the treatment of excessive urination, or incontinence.
The Ginkgo Biloba tree has become firmly established in the repertoire of all herbalists. Researchers today are confirming a wealth of healing properties for the cardiovascular system. With careful attention to dosing guidelines, the Ginkgo Biloba can be safe, effective, and reliable in treating various illnesses.
* The lack of blood to the brain * The lack of oxygen to the brain * The lack of minerals and vitamins to the brain * The lack of glucose to the brain * Increase of toxins to the brain.
The lack of blood to the brain is caused by arteriosclerosis - plack buildup along the arteries causing them to narrow. Arteriosclerosis occurs when you have a diet that causes damage to the artery walls promoting cholesterol and other minerals and nutrients to patch up the damage. Over time, as this patching continues, this area will become narrow and in some case blocks the flow of blood.
As early as possible it is always recommended that you research what a health diet is. Find a diet that will minimize damage and inflammation in your body. Starting a healthy diet at any age is helpful but the sooner you start the better.
Ginkgo Biloba has been found effective in increasing the circulation of blood throughout the body including the brain. When this happens more blood moves into the brain and supplies it with the nutrients in the blood.
Ginkgo Biloba also helps brain cells use glucose and thereby increases brain energy. It helps improve brain cell transmission and brain wave tracing. It helps short-term memory by speeding up the brain cell impulses.
Using Ginkgo Biloba for dementia and Alzheimer's has show to slow down, delay, and even reverse these conditions in some cases. Use of Ginkgo Biloba is more effective when used in the early signs of senility, dementia, or Alzheimer's.
If Alzheimer's is well progressed, Ginkgo may have only a slight value. But when Alzheimer's and other dementia issue are due arteriosclerosis or lack of blood to the brain, then Ginkgo may provide some relief and improvement in these conditions.
Here is the type of Ginkgo you should use:
* Ginkgo Biloba Flavonglycosides Extract 24%, 40 mg per day
Results in using Ginkgo Biloba can take from 3 - 12 weeks. It is a safe herb and may only have slight side effects such as headaches and dizziness, but these will disappear as you continue to use it.
If you are faced with signs of reduced mental capacity, Ginkgo Biloba is but one nutrients that can help you starve off it progression. There are many other nutrients that you need to add to your diet to help Ginkgo Biloba do its job better.
Both Scott Meyers & Rudy Silva are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Scott Meyers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Diabetes Treatment, Health and Skin Care. Scott Meyers is a staff writer for , a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers. Scott Meyers's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Rudy Silva has sinced written about articles on various topics from Constipation Causes, Blood Pressure and Acid Reflux. Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. To learn more about the other nutrients you need to hold off signs of dementia or Alzheimer's go to