The Maidenhair tree or ginkgo biloba is the only remaining species within the division of Gingophta — all other types are extinct. The proven healing properties of ginkgo biloba have been much sought after for centuries. Discover how this ancient plant can improve mental health, vision, respiratory issues, and more
Do you have a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? Maybe you deal with panic attacks, seasonal depression, and social phobias. Ginkgo biloba might be able to help thanks to the herb known as an adaptogen. It raises your body’s ability to cope with worry, trouble, and other stress. Research also reveals that ginkgo biloba might counteract with high levels of stress hormones like adrenaline or cortisol. If you have nervousness, mood swings, or other chronic stress, talk to your doctor about taking ginkgo biloba.
Mood swings and anxiety are symptoms of PMS, but ginkgo biloba can reduce headaches and muscle pain, too. It can also improve both mood and cognition for postmenopausal women. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study in 2008 comparing two groups of women with similar PMS symptoms. After six months, the group taking a daily ginkgo extract had alleviated their symptoms significantly more than the others.
Ginkgo biloba is proven to help with eye health. It can fight against free radicals, oxidative stress, and UV damage. The extract may also improve blood flow to your eyes so you can help protect the retina, cornea, and other parts of the eye tissue. Although more research is needed, some studies suggest ginkgo biloba can also be effective at reducing the chance of macular degeneration. Since oxidative damage and free radicals are thought to be a primary cause of vision-related problems, the powerful antioxidants found in the plant can help as you grow older.
If you have frequent headaches or migraines, you probably turn to over-the-counter medicine for relief. Ginkgo biloba is a natural remedy that might reduce the frequency and the severity of headaches or migraines. It can lessen pain by increasing blood vessel dilation. Ginkgo also fights against stress that triggers a headache or a migraine. Besides stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, eyestrain, and other things can cause an attack. Ginkgo biloba is beneficial for all these categories.
Although more studies need to be conducted, ginkgo biloba might ease the symptoms associated with asthma. Since ginkgo is known for reducing inflammation and improving nerve function, it may be linked to the respiratory condition. The antioxidant activity can also improve breathing depending on your situation. Some cases revealed that people taking the extract had fewer symptoms.
Inflammation of the veins around the rectum and anus can cause painful hemorrhoids that bleed. Studies have revealed that ginkgo biloba might help heal hemorrhoids. It can not only the plant help reduce pain, but it may assist with decreasing inflammation, which is the cause of hemorrhoids. If you are searching for a natural treatment for hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor about ginkgo.
Case studies have linked ginkgo to better concentration, especially for people with ADHD. Besides concentration, the extract may also help with task performance and memory. If you have dyslexia, ginkgo might be able to reduce your symptoms. More research is required, but you can discuss the benefits of ginkgo biloba with your medical provider in cases of autism, too.
Erectile dysfunction occurs when men are unable to get or keep an erection. Ginkgo has positive effects on this sexual ailment. The herb can improve dilate blood vessels and improve circulation to the genitals as well as increase serotonin levels. This hormonal balance might treat the condition. Further, ginkgo biloba has been linked to increasing a low libido, or sex drive.
If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you deal with widespread muscle pain. The nervous system disorder also causes headaches, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. We already mentioned how ginkgo biloba could help with several of the symptoms. Therefore, this herb may be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, too. It is also natural; talk to a healthcare professional about supplementing a ginkgo extract with CoQ10 to improve your quality of life.
Ginkgo biloba might help people with cognitive decline including people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies discovered that the herb could improve memory in both younger and older patients. Therefore, it may help with age-related mental decline also. If you or a loved one is already using cholinesterase inhibitor drugs as a part of Alzheimer’s treatment, talk to your medical provider about the benefits of ginkgo biloba. Over a year’s time, you may see an improvement in your quality of life as well as your scores.
This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.