Ginkgo Biloba as a Herbal Medicine

Where does Ginkgo Biloba come from?

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species known to man.

Ginkgo Biloba goes by many names, these include: biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing).

How can Ginkgo Biloba help me?

Ginkgo Biloba has a very wide range of medicinal uses.

The leaves of Ginkgo Biloba are reported to improve memory and brain function.

Ginkgo Biloba is also report to assist in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Ginkgo Biloba helps in leg pain caused by narrowing of the arteries.

The is also known as intermittent claudication.

The majority of the benefits of this herbal medicine arise from the improved circulation that this herbal medicine induces.

Ginkgo Biloba has a wonderful ability to improve blood flow and has antioxidant properties.

By increasing flow to the retina, this remedy can slow deterioration to the retina.

Conditions that might benefit from using thiinclude sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, and other health ailments relating from bad circulation.

Other benefits from Ginkgo Biloba are improvements in cognitive function such as memory, thinking and learning.

Again this is linked to Ginkgo Biloba’s ability to incease circulation.

Ginkgo Biloba might be useful in lowering feelings of depression and even improve social behaviour.

Improvments may be seen in circulation in the hands and feet, reduce swelling in the limbs and even assist with arterial blockage.

The body's cells can benefit from the effects of Ginkgo Biloba during immuno suppressive treatments.

It appears as if there are two primary ingredients in Ginkgo Biloba that are beneficial to us as humans. These are flavonoids and terpenoids.

Flavonoids are considered to be powerful antioxidants that can help protect the nerves, heart muscles and the blood vessels.

Terpenoids help to increase blood flow by dilating the blood vessels and lowering the stickiness of the blood platelets.

If I am already on medicine, what are the interactions or side effects I need to know about using Ginkgo Biloba?

Always consult your doctor before using any alternative medication such as Ginkgo Biloba.

If you have any bleeding / blood problems, using Ginkgo Biloba might lower the clotting ability of your blood. This will include any blood clotting or thinning medications.

Ginkgo Biloba may interfere with anti depressants or anticonvulsant medications.

In some studies Ginkgo Biloba has been found to alter insulin levels, these need to be monitored closely if you suffer from any insulin related illness.

There have been isolated reports of Ginkgo Biloba increasing blood pressure in some patients.

Side effects of Ginkgo Biloba may include headaches, nausea, stomach upsets, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions.

On occasion, more severe allergic reactions have been reported.

How do I take Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo Biloba is available in standardized extracts containing 24-32% flavinaiods and between 6-12%.

The standard form that Ginkgo Biloba comes in, includes capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and dried leaves used in teas.