subject: Ginkgo, A Good Herbal Remedy [print this page] Ginkgo, A Good Herbal Remedy Ginkgo, A Good Herbal Remedy
Ginkgo, A Good Herbal Remedy
The Ginkgo tree is one of the oldest trees. It was nearly vanished after the Ice Age but it survived in some parts of Asia. Ginkgo was the favorite of the Chinese monks. It served as herbal remedy and also as food.
Ginkgo is resistant to disease, pollution and drought. Today, it is a very useful urban landscape for its charms and it decorates city streets as well as parks. It can survive and live for thousands of years. This plant is now grown on plantations to supply the demand for this useful and beautiful tree. Its seed is used as ingredient for Chinese medicine and oriental cooking. Its leaves are also used for herbal remedy for certain ailments to have improved blood circulation and high memory performance.
What are the uses of Ginkgo?
Ginkgo has been useful in Europe especially in the field modern clinical research. Its leaf has the ability to expand and dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation and vascular integrity in the heart, head, and extremities. It may take effect on mental and neurological symptoms of aging such as memory loss, impaired hearing and depression. It can also help ease the conditions related to circulation.
Ginkgo strengthens and improves the vessels and promotes the actions of neurotransmitters in the brain. For your information, neurotransmitters are chemical compounds that are responsible for the transmission and communication of the nerve impulses between the nerve cells and the brain.
It is also useful for ischemic heart disease conditions because it increases circulation in limbs and in the heart. It expands the clogged arteries and let blood flow to the muscles. Another benefit is that it affects the blood to have a lesser tendency to clot.
The main and key ingredient of the Ginkgo is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. It is being investigated right now if it has the ability to defy destruction and damage of cells from oxidation and inflammation. Antioxidants can fight over some free radicals such as chronic diseases, signs of aging, and pollutants.
Side Effects
The Gingko may also have undesirable effects. It may be harmful for those who have disorders on blood circulation. For those who are taking in anticoagulants like ibuprofen, or aspirin. People should not take Gingko if they are taking antidepressants or by pregnant women without consulting physicians or by the experts. Its side effects include possible increased risk of bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, heart palpitations, dizziness, headaches and restlessness. Consumption of the Ginkgo should be stopped if you experience any side effects.
Warnings and Precautions
You should ask your doctor if you want to take Ginkgo extracts since it is an anti-coagulant. Its leaves contain some potent allergens. Those who have allergies to mangoes, poison ivy, and other plants may experience an unpleasant reaction when Ginkgo is consumed. Consult your doctor before taking any capsule or extracts of this plant.
