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Home >
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GINKGO BILOBA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
With anti-aging
properties Ginkgo Biloba
very useful for memory
enhancement, alzheimer’s
and more ... |
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GINKGO BILOBA |
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Ginkgo boosts
concentration &
circulation to the
brain |
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Gingko biloba
is the oldest known tree
species on earth with an
estimated age of more than
200 million years. A
gingko tree can live up to
1000 years. The
medicinal seeds are found
only in the inedible fruit
of the female trees.
Gingko is the most
frequently prescribed
medicinal herb in Europe.
It makes sense that the
oldest known tree is used
for concerns that become
more prevalent as we age. |
Gingko is used to
increase blood flow
to the whole body
but especially to
the brain and
extremities.
The active
components are flavone
glycosides, potent
antioxidant
molecules. Free
radicals are
unstable molecules
that in their bid to
become more stable
must bump into
healthy cells and
cause damage.
Gingko’s antioxidant
properties
neutralize free
radicals and
therefore reduce
damage to vessels
all over the body,
including those in
the brain. It has
anti-aging
properties because
as an antioxidant it
protects the body
against
environmental
pollutants other
substances that lead
to aging.
Gingko
increases
circulation by
making the blood
flow freely, thus
enhancing oxygen
delivery to and
waste removal from
cells. Gingko may
also improve the
communication
between brain and
nerve cells. Gingko
is used by natural
health practitioners
for a variety of
conditions
including: senile
dementia,
Alzheimer’s disease,
macular
degeneration,
tinnitus (ringing in
the ears), vertigo,
impotence, cold
hands and feet and
intermittent claudication (poor
circulation in the
legs). Students
have also used it as
a memory enhancer.
Gingko is commonly
purchased as
encapsulated herb or
tincture. Gingko
products should be
standardized as an
assurance of the
amount of active
compounds they
contain. Gingko can
be found in
combination products
for memory, eye
health,
cardiovascular
health and sexual
functioning. These
trees are widely
cultivated for their
leaves and seeds so
there is no concern
with the ecological
impact of gingko
use. Interestingly
they are also
planted in cities
because they can
tolerate the harsh
urban environment.
Gingko contains
components that have
blood-thinning
properties. Gingko
supplements should
be used with caution
by individuals with
active bleeding,
blood clotting
disorders, high
blood pressure and
individuals on blood
thinning medication,
including aspirin,
or
anti-hypertensives.
For the same reason,
gingko supplements
should be
discontinued prior
to surgery or dental
work. Gingko can
alter the
effectiveness of
monoamine oxidase
inhibitors, a type of
anti-depressant. |
Gingko–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Leaves,
seeds. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Poor
circulation
to the
extremities,
Alzheimer’s
disease,
dementia,
poor memory,
asthma,
impotence,
ringing in
the ears,
macular
degeneration. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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Oral
120-240mg
daily,
standardized
to 24-27%
flavone
glycosides
and 6-7%
triterpenes.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Lecithin,
phosphatidyl
serine,
bioflavinoids,
vitamin C,
coenzyme
Q10,
bilberry.
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Gingko can
cause
headache,
allergic
skin or
gastrointestinal
reactions
but such
reactions
are rare.
·
Gingko
should not
be used with
blood
thinners,
including
aspirin and
should be
discontinued
2 weeks
prior to
surgery.
·
Individuals
who use high
blood
pressure
medication,
anti-inflammatories
or MAOi
drugs should
use gingko
with
caution. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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