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Starting over - Ginkgo Biloba
- masseynicola1
- Nov 1, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3, 2023
Welcome to My World of all things health and a bit extra
Hacked and Wacked
Glad you are here. So after my last site was hacked and wacked I wasn't going to bother with blogging anymore. But how can I not when so many of you have said you miss my little titbits of health and wellness. So here we go again. I promise to keep sharing my findings with you.
A mighty tree - Gingko Bibola
The oldest surviving Ginkgo tree also known as Maidenhair is 3500 years old. It is so ancient that the Ginkgo species it is known as a living fossil. Ginkgo leaves have been found in fossil form dating back over 200 million years. That's a pretty impressive history. There is a lot we can learn from this noble tree.
As you can imagine this tree has seen some action over time and has had to adapt to many changing environments over time.
You can see one of the oldest planted Gingko trees at Kew gardens known as The Old Lions-
the few surviving trees were planted in the early botanic garden started by Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III, in 1759.
Medicinal qualities of the ancient Ginkgo
It's medicinal qualities are well documented. It has a long history in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Ginkgo for Sleep
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the journal Phytomedicine, found that ginkgo biloba supplements improved sleep quality in participants with sleep disturbances. The study participants were given either ginkgo biloba supplements or a placebo for four weeks. The group that received the ginkgo biloba supplements reported significant improvements in sleep quality, including increased total sleep time and decreased wake time after sleep onset, compared to the placebo group.
Decrease inflammation and free radical damage
Gingko Biloba is the most valued and ancient among medicinal plants, its use dating back to 1505 AD. Despite its existence for over 200 million years, the real value of the species was recognized again in the last 40 years due to the discovery of the increasing importance of the tree's pharmacological compounds and their therapeutic effects. The tree's leaves and fruit are used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat many diseases. The extract has been shown to improve memory function and enhance motivation.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine and current clinical studies, ginkgo biloba is safe, effective and benefits the body in numerous ways because it exerts protective effects against mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress. It can help to decrease inflammation and free radical damage, two underlying causes of most common health conditions.
This extract contains two main constituents, flavonoids and terpenoids, that have strong antioxidant properties. It’s believed these may help slow down the progression of age-related diseases by preventing damage to tissues, cells and DNA.
As a supplement
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most well-touted supplements in the world for improving memory and cognitive health, as well as preventing chronic inflammation.
It works by increasing the activity of antioxidants throughout the body. Germany and other European countries have introduced ginkgo biloba extract as a medication because of its many studied benefits.
Although it’s generally very safe, possible side effects of ginkgo can include digestive issues, headaches, dizziness and allergic reactions. Please check with a practitioner before use.
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