Ginkgo Biloba – Proven to Improve Blood Flow
Among the herbs for high blood pressure, Ginkgo Biloba stands out. It is a herb that has undergone extensive research and continues to be under investigation. Why? Before I begin discussing that, listen to what they already have discovered about the herb.
Ginkgo Biloba (Maidenhair Tree) is added to my list of natural vaso-dilators not only for the fact that it`s an ancient medicine, but also because it has been proven to dilate blood vessels helping to reduce high blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
Note: It has also been proven to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets.
In Germany and France, in the light of the German commission E confirming it`s usefulness for the below mentioned illnesses, and in light of the World Health Organization approving it`s use for treating Raynaud`s disease, ginkgo is classed as a top natural medicine by doctors.
This herb is used in particular, for ageing diseases such as Alzheimer`s and Dementia because of it`s ability to increase circulatory oxygenation to the brain, as well as hypertension, blood circulation, kidney disease, respiratory disease, stroke, stress, and tinnitus.
The effective ingredients of the herb are the chemical flavonoids and terpenoids. The terpenoid Bilobalide is a unique antioxidant that has the ability to protect mitochondria, the structures in a cell that produce energy. As we age these structures start producing free radicals and become less functional, and the free radicals reek havoc in our cardiovascular system.
Scientific Update on Ginkgo Biloba
Research to date doesn`t support the effectiveness of ginkgo. Like most circulation herbs, there is always a counter argument and a strong one at that. Older research results have been said to be unreliable because of the small amount of people who participated in those studies. Never-the-less, the herb has a favorable history in treating blood circulation and memory loss.
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living species, dating back 270 million years. I was under the impression that the Ginkgo tree was uncommon and only found in places like Kew Gardens and in other cultivated gardens. Apparently, it arrived in England in 1754 but was originally from China. I have found however that there are already 3 Ginkgo Biloba trees on streets close to mine here in Mitcham, Surrey in England. And friends of mine have spotted them in other places since I showed them what Ginkgo leaves look like. The pictures on this page were taken by me. So the tree is not so uncommon as I thought.
You can make tea from the dried leaves, but if you need something stronger, best buy a tincture, made from ginkgo extract.
Ginkgo is known to have some mild side effects, but they only affect some people who may be sensitive to it.
If you are thinking to use it, speak with your doctor first, especially if you take blood thinning drugs, anti-depressants, or sedatives.
Complimentary Circulation Herbs
Capsicum, garlic, vitamin B Complex, and magnesium mix well with ginkgo, some of them being natural vaso-dilators also.
Is it a safe?
Herbs for high blood pressure are often underestimated as having any strength, yet caution is always given to people who want to use them, portraying the herbs powerful but dangerous.