Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient plant extract that has widely been used in traditional medicine for treating numerous health problems. Recently, the University of Maryland has declared it to be one of the oldest species on earth! It has emerged as one of the top-selling herbal treatments is not just the US but all over the world. Today, Ginkgo Biloba is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that bring improvement in cognitive functions, reduce symptoms related to chronic diseases, treating asthma and a natural remedy for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Why is it Particularly Useful for Older People?
The Ginkgo Biloba benefits people over the age of 50 years because of its highly effective cognitive-enhancing potential. Research studies at the University of Maryland suggest that while Ginkgo Biloba contains over 40 components, there are two medicines called Flavonoids and Terpenoids. Flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants which, protect the nerves, heart muscles, blood vessels, and retina. Terpenoids are known for improving blood flow and blood circulation through dilation of the blood vessels and reduction of the platelets stickiness.
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
Here are some prominent Ginkgo Biloba benefits:
- Ginkgo Biloba combats poor concentration, reverses cognitive decline and heals fatigue effectively. You can improve your memory with supplements of Ginkgo Biloba, as it is known for improving your cognitive health.
- It reduces the risk of Alzheimer and lowers the symptoms in patients already undergoing Alzheimer treatment. It can help in recovering from strokes and traumatic brain injuries too.
- As an adaptogen herb, it reduces depression, mood swings, nervousness, and anxiety by raising the body’s natural ability to cope up with your troubles.
- Ginkgolide B present in Ginkgo Biloba works as a preventive measure for reducing the frequency of migraines.
- Ginkgo Biloba effectively lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration and fights free radical damage that usually harms the retina, macula, and cornea in seniors.
- It helps in reversing Vitiligo, in which the dermal cells of the skin are destroyed leading to white patches on different parts of the body.
- Ginkgo Biloba heals oxidative stress
- Ginkgo Biloba also reduces PMS symptoms in the older women. It lowers mood swings, headaches, anxiety, muscle pain and overall fatigue.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties have beneficial effects on mood and cognition in postmenopausal women. It works on both physical as well as psychological symptoms.
Safety Precautions
When it comes to Ginkgo Biloba uses, there are a few safety precautions to be kept in mind. The herb is available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and dried leaf for teas. The ideal dosage for an average adult would be 120 to 240 milligrams per day in divided doses. For visible improvements, you need to consistently consume it for 4 to 6 weeks.
Ginkgo Biloba is strictly restricted to children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with epilepsy and those taking blood thinners regularly. Further, if you are a diabetic patient, make sure checking with your physician first before using Ginkgo Biloba in order to derive its benefits instead of being affected adversely. While Ginkgo Biloba is mostly applicable to the older people, the herb, in general, is useful for men and women of all ages as it improves brain function, facilitates blood circulation and removes fatigue. The dosage and the form in which it is consumed can vary depending upon one’s requirements.