Ginkgo Biloba

If you’re looking for a dietary supplement with a long track record, you won’t find anything older than ginkgo biloba, which dates back 200 million years ago before the Ice Age even came to be. Obviously regarded as one of the oldest herbal supplements, individual trees alone from which the herb originates may survive for thousands of years.

What Is Ginkgo Biloba?

With varying characteristics including sweet to bitter to neutral tastes, the ginkgo biloba plant is rather versatile when it comes to treating circulatory and brain flow concerns. This deciduous conifer offers separate male and female forms of the plant that offer astringent, antifungal, and antibacterial treatment options through a mixture of fatty acids, minerals, and ginkgo biloba vitamins.

Brief History

With a history showcased throughout at least a 200-million year old presence in the world, cultivated ginkgo biloba trees were a mainstay in the temple gardens of the Far East. For centuries, Chinese medicine utilized the herb to treat a variety of medical problems [1]. Introduced to the Europeans in 1730, the tree became an ornamental object until Western medicine started to really take interest during the 1980s. Today, the main draw of this herb is its effects on the cardiovascular system.

Parts Used

Today, the ginkgo biloba tree is grown in moist, fertile plots of land across the world, including parts of South Carolina, France, and China. Offering the medicinal magic that we know today, it is the leaves and the seeds of the tree that are used in dietary supplements and treatments. The fan-shaped leaves (fresh or dry) are highly regarded for their ability to relax blood vessels; stimulate the circulatory system; and combat inflammation. The seeds are known to disinfect, as well as battle fungus and bacteria.

As a Dietary Supplement

Various ginkgo biloba potencies are offered on the market in regards to dietary supplements. The most common pill concentration is seen in 40g, 60g, and 120mg pills and capsules. Administering ginkgo biloba supplements to children is not recommended because concrete evidence of side effects and safety has not been established.

Proposed Uses

Only found in the female plant, the seeds of the ginkgo biloba tree are known to treat asthma conditions, chest coughs, as well as kidney and lung ailments. The leaves of the tree are used to make a tincture that works well when combined with other cardiovascular herbs. There are numerous medical concerns that have been linked to ginkgo biloba use, including diabetes, allergies, headaches, PMS, and vertigo. Below are some of the many proposed uses for ginkgo biloba and recommended doses:

a) Poor Circulation:

A tincture is created when herbs are soaked in vodka or rum. When gingko biloba is combined with additional herbs, such as periwinkle and linden, circulatory problems can be treated. Taking 1 teaspoon of tincture with water for about 2-3 times per day is a recommended dose for treating poor circulation. A fluid extract has been known to also treats diseases attacking peripheral circulation.

b) Arteriosclerosis:

In Europe, fluid is extracted from fresh leaves, which is then used to treat cerebral arteriosclerosis in elderly patients. Add 50 g dried ginkgo biloba leaves to 2 cups of water to create an infusion that is used to treat arteriosclerosis, as well as varicose issues. Using the infusion as a wash is effective on varicose ulcers.

c) Asthma and Other Breathing Problems:

The seeds of the ginkgo biloba tree can be used to create a decoction (simmered seeds in boiling water). When combined with mulberry leaves, asthma and persistent coughs can be treated. 3-4 seeds are enough to create three doses of decoction. Wheezing is also eased with the use of a decoction.

d) Male Impotency:

Impotency in men is also treated with the use of ginkgo biloba because the root of the problem exists with poor circulation and restricted blood flow throughout the penis. There are ginkgo biloba dietary supplements that alleviate poor circulation problems. After six months of use, it is said that 50% of patients using a ginkgo biloba dietary supplement experienced improvement.

e) Depression:

Patients, especially over the age of 50, may greatly benefit from the antidepressant effects that ginkgo biloba possesses [2].

f) Alzheimer�s and Mental Concerns:

Ginkgo biloba has revealed positive results in more than 300 studies regarding its use as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other mental deficiencies. There are ginkgo biloba supplement tablets produced just to treat loss of memory.

Precautions

When using the seeds as a method of treatment, it is important not to exceed recommended daily allowances and doses because this could lead to the development of skin disorders and headaches. When making your own home remedies, it is important to avoid skin contact with the fruit pulp because it has been known to create dermatitis. Using ginkgo biloba excessively or for a long time may possibly create spontaneous hemorrhaging, as well as increased bleeding times.

If you are taking a blood thinner, such as Warfarin, you may want to consult your physician before adding a ginkgo biloba supplement to your diet. Aspirin may also interact with ginkgo biloba. It is also important not to utilize any unprocessed form of the ginkgo biloba tree leaves. For some, they could trigger major allergy attacks [3].

Possible Side Effects

In sensitive individuals, ginkgo biloba supplements has been known to cause minor stomach irritation, rashes, as well as slight headaches. Before incorporating this dietary supplement into your daily regimen, you should consult your doctor before fully committing to this herb.

Resources