GINKGO BILOBA OR GINKGO TREE ! HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF GINKGO BILOBA ! GINKGO TEA RECIPE:

 GINKGO BILOBA: A MAIDENHAIR TREE:

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a large tree with fan-

shaped leaves. The leaves are commonly included in supplements and taken by mouth for memory problems. The ginkgo tree is thought to be one of the oldest living trees, dating back more than 200 million years.

 It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, but is also now grown in Europe and the United States.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant that has been used for various purposes in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. 

It is also known as maidenhair tree, because of its fan-shaped leaves that resemble the hair of a maiden. Ginkgo biloba has many health benefits, ranging from improving brain function and blood circulation to fighting inflammation and aging. 

     HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINKGO BILOBA:

Some of the health benefits of Ginkgo BILOBA are here.

IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION AND MENTAL HEALTH: One of the most popular uses of ginkgo biloba is to enhance cognitive performance and memory, especially in older adults who may suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which can protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain cells. Ginkgo biloba may also modulate the levels of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine, which are involved in mood, learning, and memory.

Several studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can

improve cognitive function and slow down the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people.

 For example, a meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials involving 2,608 patients with dementia found that ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in improving cognitive function, activities of daily living, and global clinical assessment.

 Another study of 400 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease found that ginkgo biloba extract combined with cholinesterase inhibitors, a common medication for Alzheimer’s disease, was more effective than cholinesterase inhibitors alone in improving cognitive function and quality of life.

Ginkgo biloba may also have benefits for other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

For instance, a systematic review of 15 studies involving 1,477 patients with generalized anxiety disorder found that ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in reducing anxiety symptoms. 

A randomized controlled trial of 157 patients with major depressive disorder found that ginkgo biloba extract added to antidepressant therapy was more effective than antidepressant therapy alone in improving depressive symptoms and quality of life. 

A systematic review of 10 studies involving 1,033

patients with schizophrenia found that ginkgo biloba extract as an adjunct to antipsychotic medication was beneficial for reducing positive psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.

 A randomized controlled trial of 50 children with ADHD found that ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in improving attention, concentration, and behavior.

ENHANCES BLOOD CIRCULATION AND HEART HEALTH: Another common use of ginkgo biloba is to improve blood circulation and prevent or treat vascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, stroke, and erectile dysfunction. 

Ginkgo biloba can dilate blood vessels, inhibit platelet aggregation, and prevent blood clots, which can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to various organs and tissues.

 Ginkgo biloba may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Several studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can improve blood circulation and heart health in different populations.

 For example, a meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 1,985 patients with peripheral artery disease, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the limbs, found that ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in improving walking distance and reducing pain.

 Another meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 2,108 patients with acute ischemic stroke, a condition caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, found that ginkgo biloba extract combined with conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone in improving neurological function and reducing mortality. 

A randomized controlled trial of 60 patients with erectile dysfunction caused by antidepressant medication found that ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in improving sexual function.

FIGHTS INFLAMMATION AND AGING: Ginkgo biloba is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, which can benefit various health conditions and delay the signs of aging. 

Ginkgo biloba can reduce the production of pro-

inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin, and cyclooxygenase, which can trigger inflammation and tissue damage in various diseases. 

Ginkgo biloba can also scavenge free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage the DNA, proteins, and lipids of the cells, leading to aging and disease.

Numerous studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in various animal and human models of disease, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, heart disease, stroke, asthma, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia . 

Ginkgo biloba may also have anti-aging effects on the skin, hair, and eyes. For example, a randomized controlled trial of 50 women with mild to moderate facial wrinkles found that ginkgo biloba extract applied topically for 24 weeks was more effective than placebo in improving skin moisture, elasticity, smoothness, and wrinkle depth. 

Another randomized controlled trial of 40 patients with hair loss found that ginkgo biloba extract taken orally for 6 months was more effective than placebo in increasing hair density and thickness. 

A systematic review of 10 studies involving 1,273 patients with age-related macular degeneration, a condition that causes vision loss in the center of the visual field, found that ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in improving visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.

       SIDE EFFECTS OF GINKGO BILOBA:

Ginkgo biloba is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when taken at recommended doses.

However, some people may experience mild and transient side effects, such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, allergic reactions, and stomach upset. 

Ginkgo biloba may also interact with some medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and diabetes drugs, and increase the risk of bleeding, seizures, or hypoglycemia . 

Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking ginkgo biloba supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or take any medication. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and people with bleeding disorders or epilepsy should avoid taking ginkgo biloba, as there is not enough evidence to support its safety and efficacy in these populations.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes.

 It has many health benefits, such as improving brain function and mental health, enhancing blood circulation and heart health, fighting inflammation and aging, and more. However, it may also have some risks and side effects, such as interactions with some medications and bleeding complications. 

Therefore, it is important to use ginkgo biloba with

caution and under the guidance of a doctor. Ginkgo biloba may be a natural and effective way to boost your health and well-being, but it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.

              GINKGO BILOBA TEA RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon dried ginkgo biloba leaves 

1 cup  boiling water

Honey or lemon juice 

                    HERE'S THE RECIPE:

Place the ginkgo leaves in a tea infuser, a tea ball, or a small strainer.

Pour the boiling water over the ginkgo leaves and

let them steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time according to your preference, but longer steeping may result in a stronger and more bitter taste.

Remove the ginkgo leaves and discard them. You can also squeeze them gently to extract more flavor and nutrients.

Transfer the ginkgo tea to a cup and enjoy it hot or cold. You can add honey or lemon juice to sweeten it if you like.

Drink one to three cups of ginkgo tea per day, depending on your needs and tolerance. 

Consult your doctor before taking ginkgo tea if you have any medical condition or take any medication, as ginkgo may interact with some drugs and cause side effects.

     IT'S CALLED HERBS TREAT AND TASTE :