Ginkgo Biloba
Helps Improve Memory
Ginkgo biloba is extinct in the
wild but luckily was preserved in Chinese and Japanese temples.
It is now used widely as an herb and also planted ornamentally.
Traditionally used for the brain, coughs and asthma, it
has also been studied clinically.
Trials have proved it effective for
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improvement of cerebral circulation
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long term memory
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long distance vision where the problems were
associated with macular degeneration
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impotence when the problem was related to
penile blood flow
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intermittent claudication
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ringing in the ears
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blood and plasma viscosity and the perfusion of the
brain after a stroke
Michael Tierra, a herbalist who has good
knowledge of American Indian, Indian and Chinese herbs, says
that fairly large doses need to be administered in serious
cases to be effective. He also says that ginkgo is sligtly
toxic and shouldn't be used for long periods of time.
Possible side effects include -
gastric problems, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and
headaches.
Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow, particularly to the
capillaries and end arteries, and as such it is used for
problems related to this. Garlic has a similar effect on
peripheral blood vessels.
Like garlic, it mostly acts on the
peripheral blood vessels. It causes release of prostacyclin and
a "relaxing factor", it potentiates noradrenaline and inhibits
its breakdown, and it increases intracellular cyclic amp.
Hawthorn and arnica act more on the coronary blood vessels.
Ginkgo biloba is often given to the
elderly. It has been used for - dizziness, diabetic
angiopathy, and diseases affecting the veins such as
varicose veins, post thrombotic syndrome, and leg
ulcers. Ginkgo biloba has antibacterial properties (even
against staphylococci), and may offer protection against noise.
It has also been used for vertigo, depression with poor
attention, cerebral oedema, headaches, dementia, transient
ischemic attacks, acute cochlear deafness, and Raynard's
syndrome.
Ginkgo biloba has helped some women
reduce oedema (swelling) with the menstrual cycle, as well
as reducing breast tenderness and dysmenorrhea
associated with uterine fibroids.
Like ginseng, ginkgo is a mixture of
different active principles including three flavone glycosides,
bioflavones, and two lactones.
Other Ginkgo
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About mesotherapy ginkgo
Mesotherapy ginkgo is a somewhat controversial
treatment in the US, though its practice in Europe
is less so. Find out more about this option.
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What are gingko biloba uses?
Gingko biloba uses covers the most popular and
documented uses of gingko, so its easy to
understand if this will be appropriate for you.
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