Top Ginkgo Biloba Uses and Health Benefits – Homeopathic Treatment

Most Ginkgo Biloba uses are not recent discoveries. In fact, this herbal supplement extract derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree has been used as medicine for thousands of years.

In Chinese medicine traditions dating back to 2500 B.C. or earlier, Ginkgo Biloba uses included asthma treatment, libido booster, headache reliever, and protection for eye and ear health.

Throughout the centuries, Ginkgo was also thought to have powerful mind-enhancing benefits, like sharpening thinking and boosting memory. Today, modern research has confirmed the chemical mechanisms by which the supplement is able to strengthen memory and enhance mood.

Read on to find out how you can use this ancient remedy to improve your physical and mental well-being today.

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbal Supplement

Memory Recall

Cognitive Function

Concentra- tion

How It Works:

• Supports short & long-term memory
• Improves concentration & circulation to brain
• Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant

Dosage:

Between 120 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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An Ancient Chinese Traditional Remedy

It is impossible to say when the many Ginkgo Biloba uses became institutionalized in Chinese medicine.

The source tree itself is one of the earth’s oldest and longest living tree species. Each tree can live to be at least 2500 years old, as far we know.

Ginkgo is known to have populated wild forests on almost every continent for 270 billion years.

Yet, the advance of human civilization nearly drove the tree to extinction, eradicating all of its nearest species relatives and turning it into what’s known as a “living fossil.”

The tree was planted at temples in China at least 1500 years ago, and has been used medicinally since that time. The crushed leaves of the tree were commonly prescribed for a shockingly large variety of ailments, in addition to the mental benefits we use it for today.

Improving Circulation With Ginkgo Biloba

Some of the most notable Ginkgo Biloba uses all seem to stem from one key effect it has on the body – boosting circulation. Ginkgo enhances cerebrovascular blood flow to increase healthy function of muscles, organs, and most importantly, the brain.

With active ingredients flavonoids, ginkgolides, and bilobalides, Ginkgo improves circulation by regulating vein strength and tone though the compounds prostacyclin and thromboxane A2. This results in nourished neural tissues which are more conducive to healthy growth.

The ability of neural structures to thrive is the key component to memory enhancement and sharpened thoughts. To this effect, Ginkgo also possesses some qualities of a cholinergic.

It prevents the breakdown of Acetylcholine, one of the key neurochemicals involved in cognitive health. Circulation is further enhanced by Ginkgo’s role in blood clotting, stopping many brain imbalances before they start by ensuring there is no excessive clotting in neural tissues, with the use of ginkgolide B.

In addition to increased circulation, Ginkgo also inhibits levels of MAO (monamine oxidase). This action dovetails with the circulatory effects to create a sensation of clear thoughts and mental acuity. Furthermore, Ginkgo, prevents the re-uptake of Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine, resulting in the maintenance of mental energy, and bright, confident mood.

Ginkgo Biloba Uses For Mind Enhancement

Nootropic application of Ginkgo Biloba uses for cognitive enhancement is now the most popular reason people take the supplement. Enhanced circulation to the brain may promote boosts to memory – both recalling old facts and forging new logical connections. Many user reviews say that a sense of concentration and focus are increased, and brain fog lifts.

These qualities are so powerful that they have even been applied to patients suffering from very severe mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In some clinical studies, after treatment with Ginkgo, dementia patients were found to be able to communicate more clearly, and hold onto memories more easily. Similar studies on young adults have produced similar results – Ginkgo improves clarity of thoughts and access to memories.

Ginkgo’s protection against MAOs helps to maintain a sense of mental energy and focus. Then, preservation of Acetylcholine ensures the ability to learn easily and form rational associations in the mind. And for the long term health of the mind, it is hypothesized that Ginkgo’s anti-clotting and pro-vascular mechanisms may stave off the consequences of cerebrovascular insufficiency, like stroke.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), premenstrual synmdrome (PMS), schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and vertigo.

Research on Ginkgo use for various conditions has been very promising, however more research is still needed, especially large-scale double blind placebo trials. At this time, the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. In the US, Ginkgo biloba is available as a dietary supplement only.

Does Ginkgo Biloba Use Result in Side Effects?

Fresh or roasted Ginkgo seeds can create toxic reactions. This is because the seeds contain the compound ginkgotoxin (4-O-methoxypyridoxine), which can lower the effects of natural GABA in the brain and lead to seizures.

However, almost all Ginkgo nootropic supplements are prepared as powders extracted from leaf sources. The leaves of the Ginkgo tree do not contain this toxic compound and are largely free of side effects for most people. It is always smart to confirm the source of your supplements though, and make sure that your Ginkgo supplements are leaf extracts.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately in adults. Information on the safety of use in children and pregnant/nursing women is limited, and use should be avoided by these groups.

Ginkgo is generally very well tolerated. Side effects are rare, however some mild side effects like nausea, headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal complaints have been reported.

Most Ginkgo Biloba uses are perfectly safe. In some cases, excessive bleeding and slow clotting may result from Ginkgo consumption, especially if there is a previous clotting condition, if it is taken just after a surgery, or if you are taking any anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs or supplements.

If you experience nausea, heart arrhythmias, or diarrhea when using Ginkgo, you may have sensitivities requiring you to significantly lower your dose or stop taking the supplement altogether.

There are many other nootropic supplements which enhance memory, such as cholinergics, which are not stimulants and will not cause these types of side effects. Ginkgo should not be taken at the same time as prescription anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Before beginning use it is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine if there are any contraindications with Ginkgo and any current supplements or medications you are taking.

Safe Ginkgo Dosages

Proper dosage of supplements depends on many different factors, and it is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.

Dosage for almost all Ginkgo Biloba use starts at 40 mg, taken three times per day. This is the mildest, baseline dose, and produces light effects in most people. You can raise the total daily dose from 120 mg up to 600 mg as needed, though most people will feel the full effects of the remedy in the lower range.

Ultimately, Ginkgo’s safety record is assured – over a thousand years of traditional Ginkgo biloba uses has proven this remedy effective for countless mind and body benefits.

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