Ginkgo, the great hope for aging disorders

The virtues of ginkgo (ginkgo biloba) raise some scientific controversy. While in some forums it is presented almost as the great natural remedy against age-related circulatory disordersothers demand more conclusive evidence about some of its attributions, such as its usefulness in degenerative diseases.

The leaves of this ancient tree They constitute a great resource to try to improve cerebral blood circulation and deal with certain cognitive deficits.

The applications of Ginkgo Biloba are many and varied.

The Chinese traditional medicine used the leaves, together with the seeds, almost two thousand years ago. Today only the leaves are used, in standardized extract or infusion. The seeds are considered toxic.

The sheets contain:

Flavones (quercetol and kenferol) Terpene lactones (ginkgolides) Phytosterols

Main benefits of the leaves are:

possess venotonic effects more than remarkable. They act as neuroprotective.Are vasodilators at the peripheral level. antiplatelet agents platelet.They are antihemorrhoidal.effects diuretics.A great antioxidant.

The 7 most interesting uses of ginkgo biloba

In general the ginkgo biloba leaves are indicated for:

1. Pain and heaviness in the legs

In prolonged and systematic treatments, ginkgo has been shown to effective in relieving intermittent claudicationa deficit in the circulatory flow of the lower extremities common in middle age and old age, but also in obese, static or with circulation problems in general.

2. Vertigo, occasional dizziness and migraines

Indicated for occasional dizziness, migraines and even vertigo when associated with a reduced blood flow to the braincan be fought with ginkgo.

3. Memory and concentration

There is no consensus on its ability to potentiate them, but in long-term treatments the extract can improve cerebral blood flow by up to 9%which makes it comparable in efficacy to many drugs intended for this purpose.

4. Venous disorders

They are due to poor blood circulation, such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The ginkgo leaves they offer a feasible and easy-to-prepare solution, either orally or in comforting baths and scrubs. However, it is advisable to associate it with more specific plants, such as horse chestnut or butcher’s broom.

5. Cardiovascular prevention

Due to its action on the vascular mechanism, with vasodilator and antioxidant effects, it has been indicated in the prevention of thromboembolism, arteriosclerosis and stroke. It can be of great help to promote recovery after this type of vascular accident.

6. Dementias

Some studies suggest that ginkgo extracts could be effective for improve cognitive function in primary degenerative dementias or vascular dementias, which manifest with memory deficits and lack of concentration.

7. Tinnitus or tinnitus

Tinnitus or tinnitus is the phenomenon by which blows or sounds are noticed in the ear, without coming from any external source. when is linked to vascular problemsit is treated with ginkgo extract for its vasodilator effect.

Ginkgo, a hope against Alzheimer’s

Less veracity is given to its usefulness in other disorders for which this plant is sometimes recommended and for which more scientific studies are required. It is the case of the Alzheimer disease.

Ginkgo could serve to curb one of its symptoms, the progressive memory lossby enhancing brain irrigation and slowing down the destruction of neuronal connections.

Now, if it were effective, it would only be in the early stages of the disease.

3 ways to use ginkgo biloba

1. In extract

He standardized extract ginkgo contains 25 to 35% flavonoids and 6% terpenoids. Presents in capsules, tablets or liquid form.

The mean dose variesdepending on the disorder, from 120 to 240 mg daily, and in some cases up to 300 mg.

For chronic or degenerative disorders. Long treatments are recommended, from 6 to 12 weeks, with rest periods of 4 weeks. The therapeutic effects are usually not noticed until the fifth or sixth week of treatment.

2. In infusion of dried plant

The Dry plant It is taken as an infusion, one tablespoon per cup of water, two cups a day, on an empty stomach.

The usual is combine it with plants that enhance or complement its action: horsetail, butcher’s broom, witch hazel, blueberry, willow, garlic, periwinkle or red vine, among others.

3. In sitz baths

With a concentrated infusionto get ready Sitz baths to relieve vein problems, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, phlebitis, swelling of the arms and legs, and numbness and pain in the extremities.

Precautions in the consumption of ginkgo biloba

In adequate doses, ginkgo generally does not have side effects. However, it is preferable to have good advice before embarking on long-term treatment.

It is not recommended in case ofepilepsy, pregnancy and lactationand may interact with some medications.