Ginkgo Biloba benefits range from improving blood flow, brain power and eyesight. However, it is primarily a circulatory herb used for treating vascular diseases.
The benefits of Ginkgo Biloba are attributed to flavonoids Ginkgolides and Bilobalide. These two, also have potent antioxidant properties which helps them neutralize free radicals.
However, there mode of action is not that simple. They can do much more.
GINKGO BILOBA BENEFITS FOR HEART DISEASE
It may protect the heart and blood vessels from damage, while helping in regeneration process. Ginkgo Biloba is mostly used in treating vascular diseases such as peripheral vascular disease and varicose veins.
It improves blood flow, by preventing restriction of the blood vessels thereby relieving pain and discomfort, associated with the disease. Since it is natural blood thinner, it may even reduce blood pressure, slightly.
Ginkgo Biloba is also useful in lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, thrombosis and heart attack since it may help remove plaque from the arteries, neutralize free radicals, prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol and platelet aggregation.
I took it individually and along with other herbs. Personally, I saw better results with circulatory formula. It helped me ease the pain and bruising, in the arteries of my calf muscle which I was experiencing due to overtraining.
GINKGO BILOBA BENEFITS ON THE BRAIN
Although it is one of the best circulatory herbs, Ginkgo Biloba has even bigger role in treating brain disorders and improving mental health.
By increasing blood flow to the brain and the amount of oxygen available to the brain cells, it may help improve our mental abilities.
Ginkgo may improve concentration, memory, thinking, learning ability and mental clarity. However, it is also used to treat depression, anxiety and panic attacks. It may even help prevent development of dementia and age related diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzhimers.
Although, I took it for my vascular problems, I did expirience some benefits of ginkgo biloba, regarding my mental health. I was able to focus on task at hand, easier, while my memory improved a bit as well as ability to think more clearly and creatively.
GINKGO BILOBA BENEFITS FOR EYE HEALTH
Ginkgo Biloba is very useful in improving eyesight and treating age-related eye problems such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.
It increases blood flow and scavenges free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant properties, while it prevents hemorrhages, by strengthening tiny blood vessels in the eye.
However, it is even more effective when combined with carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, beta carotene and astaxanthin.
GINKGO BILOBA SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS
Besides Ginkgo Biloba benefits, there are some side effects associated with the herb since it is natural blood thinner. It can interact with anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding. This includes medications such as warfarin and aspirin as well as supplements such as fish oil and garlic.
The herb may interact with MAO inhibitors and other anti-depression medications, too. If you do take some of these drugs and your are planing to take Ginkgo Biloba, consult with your doctor, before mixing the two together.
Other Ginkgo Biloba side effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, headaches, dizziness and even arrhythmia.
DOSAGE
Normal dosage ranges from 120 mg to 240 mg per day, divided in two to three servings. Higher doses may cause irregularities in the heart beat, without any additional benefits of ginkgo biloba.
Most circulatory formulas contain from 50 mg to 100 mg of Ginkgo biloba. Since you have to take them two to three times per day, you will get enough of it, to experience Ginkgo Biloba benefits.
TIP
If you have vascular disease, then rather take ginkgo with other circulatory herbs such as cayenne, garlic, butchers broom, horse chesnut and hawthorn. The circulatory formula will give you better results, then the herb alone could.
CONCLUSION
Besides being one of the most well known and frequently used herbs in traditional chinese medicine, Ginkgo Biloba is also considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are able to increase life span, improve immune system as well as our resistance to stress.
Although Ginkgo is not strong as some of them, it has some unique abilities that other adaptogens lack. As most of them, it can protect the kidneys, liver, heart and DNA from damage.
Thanks to Ginkgo Biloba benefits, regarding blood flow, it may even restore circulation to the areas of the brain damaged by stroke and relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.
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