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Ginkgo Biloba - The Herb With a Funny Name that Provides Powerful Antioxidant EffectsBy Consumer Health Advocate, Frank Mangano |
Known as the maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba is one of the
oldest trees on Earth and can be found in China, Japan, and
Korea. Prior to the Ice Age, gingko also thrived in North America
and Europe.
Ginkgo leaves, fresh or dry, and seeds, separated from the outer
layer of the fruit, have been used medicinally in Asia for thousands
of years to treat allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. In Chinese
medicine, gingko is also valued as a heart tonic, proving to
be beneficial in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia.
Ginkgo causes blood flow throughout the body, particularly cerebral
blood flow to become increased. It acts as a circulatory system tonic,
stimulating greater tone in the venous system. For numerous diseases
caused by restricted blood flow, the herb has been proven to be a useful
and remedy. In Europe, physicians prescribe the extract for treatment
of
Raynaud's disease, a condition characterized by impaired circulation
to the fingers.
German herbalists recommend ingesting the extract for treatment of leg
ulcers and it is widely recommended in Europe for the treatment of stroke.
By strengthening the blood capillaries throughout the body, the dried
leaf extract may also act to prevent hemorrhagic stroke. In studies
of patients with atherosclerotic clogging of the artery in the penis,
ginkgo extract therapy over the long term has provided significant improvement
in erectile function. Ginkgo extract also helps eliminate damaging free-radicals
in the body, and is also a choice among many for the treatment of premenstrual
syndrome, relieving tender or painful breasts.
Ginkgo extract also enhances oxygen utilization and thus improves memory,
concentration, and other mental faculties. It has also been shown to
have a beneficial effect on an area of the brain affected by
Alzheimer's
disease called the hippocampus. A study published in the Journal
of the American Medical Association reported a significant effect
on dementia in those suffering from Alzheimer's. For these reasons,
it has been used as an effective treatment for
Alzheimer's
disease.
Improvement in long-distance vision and damage reversal to the retina
of the eye are also evident through use of the gingko extract. Studies
have also confirmed its value in the treatment of
depression
in elderly persons as well as the relief it provides for people with
headache,
sinusitis,
and vertigo.
Ginkgo supplements are typically taken in the range of 40-2000 mg per
day. Should any side effects occur, use should be immediately discontinued.
Important note: Consult with your health care practitioner if you're taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication or over-the-counter pain killers on a daily basis as the combination can result in internal bleeding. The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.
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