Gingko Biloba is one the most commonly prescribed herbal drug in Europe. Unlike the other herbs,
Gingko Biloba is not consumed directly; instead it is concentrated and converted into an extract which is available commercially as GBE or Gingko Biloba Extract. Gingko has been used down the ages as a treatment for circulatory disorders such as poor circulation of the blood to the brains and Alzheimer’s disease.
Plant description:
One of the oldest species of trees, a
Gingko Biloba tree can grow up to a height of 120 feet and live for a thousand years. They have short branches with fanny leaves. The fruits are inedible and have a faint odor. The seed is however edible.
Gingko leaves were used by the Chinese in traditional medicine. However modern science use Gingko Biloba Extract which is obtained from the dried leaves.
Medicinal Properties:
Gingko Biloba is most famous for its treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Gingko Biloba is believed to have the following effects on people suffering from the disorder of the brain.
• Improvement of learning and thinking capacity. It also enhances the memory.
• Improvement in social behavior
• A marked improvement in the performance of daily chores
falconoid present in
Gingko Biloba may be helpful in treating retinal disorders. ARMD or Age Related Macular Degeneration, a condition which gradually impairs the eye sight in old people is another disorder which Gingko Biloba Extracts are efficient against. Studies confirm that
Gingko Biloba preserve eyesight in those individuals afflicted with ARMD.
GBE also relieves the pain caused by improper circulation of the blood to the limbs. Gingko Biloba dilates blood cells and reduces the stickiness of the blood platelets. Besides these,
Gingko Biloba is also recommended for the treatment of heart diseases, vertigo, altitude sickness, erectile dysfunction, depression, asthma, disorientation and headaches.
Dosage:
Children: The consumption of
Gingko Biloba is not recommended for children as there is no scientific evidence to prove its benefits in children.
Adults: Available in a variety of forms such as tablets, tincture, GBE concentrates and capsules; you may consume 120 mg of GBE or 4 ml of the tincture thrice a day.
Precautions:
• They must be taken under medical supervision only.
• Gastro intestinal upset, dizziness and headaches may be experienced by some on the consumption of Gingko Biloba.
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers are not advisable to consume any form of this herb due to the possibility of complications in bleeding.
