Ginkgo, a living fossil tree, has been cultivated for centuries and used in Chinese medicine. Its leaves are used to make herbal teas and extracts that have positive health effects, including improving blood flow to the brain and treating male impotence. However, it can interfere with prescription drugs and cause side effects, so it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a physician. Recent studies show promising results in improving cognitive function in MS patients and relieving early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Ginkgo, also known as ginkgo biloba, is an Asian tree that has no contemporary relatives. As such and because ginkgo-like plants are well represented in the fossil record, it is often referred to as a living fossil. Also called Maidenhair Tree for the resemblance of its leaves to the maidenhair fern, it has been cultivated throughout human history.
The ginkgo leaf is used to make herbal teas and extracts, which have been shown to have a wide range of positive health effects. It has been a staple of Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.
Ginkgo has been shown in numerous studies to improve blood flow to the brain and is therefore believed to improve concentration and memory. Many students swear by its effects when studying for exams. It improves overall blood flow and as such is useful for circulatory problems that lead to fluid retention in the extremities, such as swollen feet and ankles. Ginkgo has long been thought to cure male impotence, and is a standard herbal remedy for male sexual dysfunction.
Recent studies show that gingko has improved cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffering from loss of alertness, confusion and memory problems. The same study showed that the cognitive function of the control group without MS did not change, contradicting previous claims. Ongoing studies on the effectiveness of ginkgo in relieving early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms are promising, but so far inconclusive.
Many people mistakenly believe, “if it is herbal, it is safe”, but this is not true. Gingko, like all plants with a medicinal effect, can interfere with prescription drugs or cause unwanted side effects on its own. Gingko should not be taken in conjunction with certain antidepressants and should be avoided if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Because if its effects on blood flow, people with blood-clotting disorders who take blood thinners should also avoid gingko, which could increase the effects of the prescription drug.
As with all herbal remedies, consult with a physician before embarking on a new regimen. If you take gingko, be sure to also tell future doctors,
They will need to take this into account when prescribing medications.
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