Though not yet a proven treatment, ginko biloba supplementation might be beneficial after suffering from a stroke. It is beneficial for circulation. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be effective in the treatment of arteriosclerosis in the legs. In some people also effective against tinnitus.
Used in the treatment of diseases where inflammation occurs. Induces the memory and other mental processes, including the elderly and the senile.
Ginkgo biloba contains active substances that induce the blood flow in deeper small and medium sized blood vessels. The brain cells will therefore receive more oxygen and sugar; substances which are necessary for the production of energy.
Scientific research has shown that Ginkgo has a positive effect on problems such as forgetfulness, headache, dizziness, depression, confusion, tiredness, and tinnitus. These problems are often caused by age-related changes in the blood vessels, so that less blood runs through the brain. This causes it to become more difficult for the brain cells to absorb a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients.
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be able to stimulate the blood supply in the brain, improve the metabolism of the brain cells, and protect against damages caused by free radicals. The increased blood flow also means that the signal substances of the brain are improved. Ginkgo strengthens the small blood vessels, which are called capillaries, so that they do not burst so easily.
The plant also contains antioxidants which counteract inflammation caused by irritation of the inner side of the blood vessels, which makes them fragile. Therefore, Ginkgo biloba is used by many people as a protection against blood clots in the brain.
Due to its ability to dilate the blood vessels and supply energy, Ginkgo biloba is effective against mood swings, especially in elderly people who have a poor circulation in the brain. Several European scientific trials have shown this effect.
Research indicates that Ginkgo can help people with Alzheimer's disease in becoming more alert, deal with their social life in a better way, think clearer, and improve their emotional life and their memory.
The rest of the body may also benefit from the increased blood flow. Ginkgo is often used for other circulatory disturbances and can with advantage be used by people with circulatory problems in the legs and cold hands and feet.
There are even signs indicating that Ginkgo biloba is effective against asthma and allergies. Ginkgo contains ginkgolides which are substances that co-operate with a substance in the body called PAF (blood platelet activating factor). PAF is an important factor in the break-out of allergies, asthma, and inflammations. Since ginkgolides have an inhibiting effect on PAF, Ginkgo biloba has proved to have a beneficial effect on asthma and allergies.
Several clinical tests have shown that Ginkgo can participate in an increase of the blood flow to the penis, and thereby improve men's erection. Many people believe that hardening of the arteries is a disease that only affects the blood vessels in the heart, but all blood vessels in the body can be struck by this disease, which might be the reason why there is not a sufficient amount of blood flowing to the penis to create a satisfactory erection.
A French clinical test has shown that Ginkgo is effective against dizziness. The plant also contains an enzyme which increases the body's break down of alcohol, and it is likewise a known drug against hangovers. Many young people have benefited from Ginkgo in stressful periods, e.g. during exams.
An extract from the leaves of the tree also has good properties, especially for age-related sufferings, and its effects are now so well-documented that Ginkgo has spread all over the world in a very short time, making it the best selling herbal medicine of all time.
Extracts from Ginkgo have many different effects in the body. Its content of bioflavonoids and related substances repair and heal first and foremost the vascular system, especially the capillaries which are the end organs of the blood circulation.
Even in cases where smaller vessels are completely degenerated, these biological substances can provoke the formation of new vessels. This process has been revealed by means of X-ray recordings where recently formed vessels have been made visible with the help of contrast fluid. These activities also lead to an improved blood flow and thereby also the distribution of oxygen in all parts of the body, including the central nervous system.
Ginkgo extract also works as an antioxidant and counteracts the destruction of tissue brought on by free radicals.
However, the entirely amazing and, in this connection, decisive factor, is that extract from Ginkgo regenerates the enzyme activities in the brain itself and among other things - as mentioned earlier - induces the body's own production of the completely crucial enzyme: acetylcholine transferase.
Many other and so far inexplicable improvements in the function of the brain can be seen as a result of a regular intake of Ginkgo biloba. The decisive difference between the effect of Ginkgo and other preparations that were used earlier is that Ginkgo has no side effects and that the herb seems able to regenerate brain functions that were regarded as irretrievably lost.
Globally speaking, double-blind placebo-controlled studies with over 800 patients have been performed, in order to clarify the effect of a Ginkgo biloba treatment.
Today, there are many different Ginkgo preparations on the market. Some are made of dried plants, some of fresh ones; some from simple alcohol extracts, and others are extracted with acetone or petrol (!)
However, the greatest results are expected from the preventive treatment which many thousands of people have already undertaken on their own initiative to stave off Alzheimer's disease.
The Ginkgo maidenhair tree is the world's oldest tree, the only survivor out of a once large and widespread family. In fossils, Ginkgo can be traced back more than 200 million years to the Permian Age, and the tree itself is often called "a living fossil". The tree only grows in China, and there it has been cultivated as a holy tree in the Chinese temple gardens.
In China, Ginkgo has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. In recent years (and under scientific analysis), no other traditional medical plant has provided us with such amazing results, revealed so many astonishing effects, and offered such promising perspectives.
A whole new group of substances, the ginkgo flavone glycosides, earlier unknown to the scientists, have bene isolated from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree. Research continues in the vital biological powers that lie hidden in the leaves of the world's oldest tree, the legendary Ginkgo biloba.
Precautions
Never use herbal medicine if you suspect that you have symptoms that should be clarified by a doctor. If you don't experience any improvement within a month – contact your physician, a naturopath, or a phytotherapist.
Contraindications
Not to be used during pregnancy.
Should not be used together with anticoagulants.
Should not be used the last 3 days before undergoing surgical procedures.
Side effects
No side effects have been recorded as long as the recommended dosage is followed.
Dosage
Liquid standardized extract: 3 ml. or a tablespoonful a day. To be taken with some water. The herbs are strong - you may want to rinse with your favourite beverage.
Dried herb: 9 - 10 g. daily.
Further fortification
Depends on the reasons for the problems.
In case of tiredness or to fortify the mental area: Eleutherococcus senticosus or Senticosus Complex
In case of circulatory problems: Ruscus Complex or Tilia Complex.
Further information
www.phytotherapies.org
