This post was originally published in December 2010
In China for thousands of years the seeds of the ginkgo have been used for improving the , respiratory problems, bladder and kidney problems, digestive problems, hearing loss, memory loss, skin disorders, anxiety, claudication and other ailments. Preparations containing Ginkgo biloba are very popular, especially in Germany and France, for the control of circulatory disorders in the brains and limbs. Especially in naturopathy this herb is used in the treatment and prevention of age-related complaints. The Ginkgo tree is then used to circulatory problems.
Recently, careful clinical trials have shown Ginkgo to be ineffective in treating dementia or preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease in normal people.
According to some studies, Ginkgo can significantly improve attention in healthy individuals. In one such study, the effect was almost immediate and reaches its peak in 2.5 hours after the intake.
Out of the many conflicting research results, Ginkgo extract may have three effects on the human body: improvement in blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; protection against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and blockage of many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and central nervous system disorders. Ginkgo can be used for intermittent claudication.
Some studies suggest a link between ginkgo and the easing of the symptoms of tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound.
The World Health Organization reports that the medicinal uses of ginkgo biloba that are supported by clinical data include treatment of the effects mild to moderate cerebrovascular insufficiency as well as the effects of peripheral arterial occlusive diseases. Cerebrovascular insufficiency, i.e., insufficient blood flow to the brain, may manifest itself as memory deficit, disturbed concentration or headaches. Peripheral arterial occlusive diseases are those in which the blood flow to the smaller arteries are restricted and may include claudication, i.e., painful walking, and Raynaud’s disease, a condtion in which the extremities such as fingers, toes, nose or ears, feel numb and cold.
Preliminary studies suggest that Ginkgo may be of benefit in multiple sclerosis, showing modest improvements in cognition and fatigue.
A study conducted in 2003 by the Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India concluded that Ginkgo is an effective treatment for arresting the development of vitiligo, a chronic disorder that causes depigmentation of patches of skin.
Attention: because of eventual negative side-effects on some pharmaceutical medicine like antidepressants, or medicine for the viscosity of the blood, medicine to regulate the bloodpressure, and more, it is very important to hear from your doctor if it is allowed to use it.
Videos:
Ginkgo Biloba and Ginkgo Biloba side effects….
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