Ginkgo biloba: what it is used for and how to take

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient medicinal plant from China that is quite rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which provide it with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Extracts made from this plant appear to possess several health benefits that are mainly related to improving arterial, cerebral and peripheral blood flow.

Due to its action on brain stimulation, Ginkgo is known as a natural elixir for mental health. However, this plant also has many other benefits related to circulatory, eye and heart health. 

Ginkgo biloba: what it is used for and how to take

What it’s good for

The main benefits of this medicinal plant include:

1. Improving brain performance and concentration

Ginkgo biloba improves blood microcirculation, increasing the amount of oxygen available to various places in the body. One of those places is the brain and, therefore, the use of this plant can facilitate thinking and increase concentration, as there is more blood reaching the brain for its proper functioning.

In addition, as it also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, the continuous use of Ginkgo biloba also seems to prevent the emergence of mental fatigue, especially in very active people.

2. Preventing memory loss

Due to increased blood circulation in the brain and improved cognitive ability, Ginko also prevents damage to neurons, combating memory loss, especially in the elderly, helping to prevent cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

Even in patients who already have Alzheimer’s, several studies point out that when Ginkgo biloba is used in association with medical treatment, it improves both mental capacity and the ability to socialize.

3. Combat anxiety and depression

The use of Ginkgo Biloba helps improve the body’s ability to deal with elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which are hormones produced in the body when there is a period of high stress. In this way, people who suffer from anxiety disorders can obtain benefits through the consumption of this plant, as it facilitates the management of the stress they are feeling.

Also due to its action on hormonal balance, Ginkgo decreases sudden mood swings, especially in women during premenstrual syndrome, reducing the risk of developing depression.

4. Improve eye health

Due to its ability to improve blood circulation and eliminate free radicals from the body, Ginkgo seems to prevent damage to sensitive places in the eyes, such as the cornea, macula and retina. So this supplement can be used to preserve vision longer, especially in people with problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, for example.

5. Regulating blood pressure

Ginkgo biloba causes a slight dilation of the blood vessels, improving blood circulation, decreasing the pressure on the heart. In this way, blood pressure has a tendency to decrease, especially in people with high blood pressure.  

6. Improve heart health

In addition to lowering blood pressure, Ginkgo also prevents the formation of blood clots. So there is less pressure on the heart, facilitating its functioning. Likewise, as there is less risk of thrombosis, there is also less chance of suffering a heart attack. 

7. Increase libido

Ginkgo biloba seems to increase libido through the hormonal balance it causes and increased blood circulation to the genital region, thus helping men suffering from erectile dysfunction. 

How to take Ginkgo biloba

The mode of use of Ginkgo biloba may vary according to the benefit that is intended to be achieved, it also varies according to the brand of the laboratory that is producing the supplement. So it is recommended to read the directions on the product box or seek advice from a physician or nutritionist.

However, the standard dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract for improving mental health is 120 to 240 mg, 1 to 4 hours before an exam, for example. As a supplement the dosage is 40 to 120 mg, 3 times a day.

Ideally, this supplement should be taken in conjunction with meals to facilitate absorption.

How to prepare Ginkgo biloba tea

Ginkgo biloba tea can be easily prepared at home; however, it is not possible to know the amount of active substances in the tea. Thus, whenever possible, it is recommended to use the supplement to obtain a more correct dosage. 

Ingredientes:

  • 1 cucharaGinkgo biloba dried leaves;
  • 1 cup of boiling water.

    • How to prepare:

    Add the leaves in the cup of boiling water and let stand for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink. 

    Possible side effects

    Side effects of Ginkgo biloba are rare, especially when used in the proper dosage, however, some people may have an allergic skin reaction, feel headache, dizziness, palpitations, bleeding, decreased blood pressure. 

    Contraindications

    Although it is a fairly safe plant, Ginkgo biloba should not be used in children under 12 years of age, pregnant women or women suspected of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

    Likewise, it should also be avoided in individuals who possess a high risk of bleeding or who have any active bleeding.

    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    Working out with a cut finger on the gym: What should you do?

    Image
    You’re looking to get your body in shape, and maybe even lose some weight. You’ve been working hard at it for months now and so far you’ve had good results. But then this morning while shaving you nicked yourself. Now there’s a cut on your index finger that is starting to throb and bleed again after having stopped for awhile. All of sudden things are not going as planned, but what should you do? Should you go ahead with your workout or will it only make things worse? There are three options available: Continue Working Out, Work Out With Protective Gear, Skip The Workout Altogether . Continue Working out with a cut finger. You can continue to work out with a cut finger on the gym. The risk of getting an infection is very low, and if you’re careful to disinfect the skin after each work out it’s not going to be a problem. Of course there are other things to consider as well: The healing process will take longer, so you’ll probably have some scarrin...
    Read more

    Home Remedies For Canker Sores

    Image
    An excellent home remedy to cure canker sores, also called postemillas, sores or fires in the mouth, is the balm with essential oil of laurel, as it helps relieve pain and inflammation. In addition to this, basil tea is also an excellent natural remedy to treat canker sores in the mouth, as they possess analgesic properties that reduce pain and antiseptic, leaving the region clean of microorganisms. To complement the natural treatment and accelerate the healing of sores, it is also possible to gargle or rinse your mouth with warm water and salt, 2 to 3 times a day, since salt is antibacterial, thus fighting bacteria, reducing inflammation and pain.  Best home remedies Home remedies are excellent alternatives to cure postemillas quickly, because they are prepared with plants rich in tannins. These compounds have astringent, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, causing the tissues to retract, reducing inflammation, relieving pain and facilitating the healing of lesions. These plants...
    Read more

    Diet For Diverticulitis: What To Eat And What To Avoid

    Image
    The diet for diverticulitis should be started with clear, easily digestible liquids such as chicken broth, strained and blended fruit juices, coconut water and gelatin. At the beginning, this type of food should be used because it is necessary to calm the intestine, keep it at rest and prevent or reduce the formation of stool. Diverticulitis crises arise when the diverticula of the colon, which are abnormal pouches that form in the wall of the intestine, become inflamed or infected and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. For this reason the foods to be consumed should be easy to digest and low in fiber.  Once the diverticulitis crisis improves, the diet also adapts from a liquid diet to a pureed diet, until solid foods are consumed again. From then on, it is important to increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber and water, thus avoiding the possibility of another crisis.  What to eat during a diverticulitis crisis At the onset of a diverticul...
    Read more