Ginkgo biloba is a medicinal plant that can improve concentration, help prevent memory loss, combat anxiety and depression, promote heart health, improve blood flow and increase libido.
This plant has flavonoids and terpenoids, which are components that have great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, guaranteeing the benefits.
Ginkgo biloba can be found in online stores or health food stores and can be consumed in the form of tea or supplement, and it is important that a doctor is consulted before starting its use.
Main benefits
The main benefits of ginkgo biloba are:
1. Improve brain performance and concentration
Ginkgo biloba improves blood microcirculation, increasing the amount of oxygen available in various parts of the body. One of these places is the brain and, therefore, the use of this plant can facilitate thinking and increase concentration, as there is more blood reaching the brain for its correct functioning.
Furthermore, as it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, continuous use of Ginkgo biloba also seems to prevent the appearance of mental fatigue, especially in very active people.
2. Prevent memory loss
Due to increased blood circulation in the brain and improved cognitive capacity, Ginkgo also prevents damage to neurons, combating memory loss, especially in the elderly, helping to prevent cases of Alzheimer’s.
Even in patients who already have Alzheimer’s, several studies indicate an improvement in mental and socialization capacity when Ginkgo biloba is used in combination with medical treatment.
3. Combat anxiety and depression
The use of Ginkgo biloba helps improve the body’s ability to deal with high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which are produced in the body when there is an episode of high stress. In this way, people who suffer from anxiety disorders can benefit from consuming this plant as it becomes easier to deal with the excess stress they are feeling.
Also due to its action on hormonal balance, Ginkgo reduces sudden mood changes, especially in women during PMS, reducing the risk of developing depression.
4. Improve eye health
Due to its ability to improve blood circulation and eliminate free radicals from the body, Ginkgo appears to prevent damage to sensitive areas of the eyes, such as the cornea, macula and retina. Therefore, this supplement can be used to preserve vision for longer, especially in people with problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, for example.
5. Regulate blood pressure
Ginkgo biloba causes a slight dilation of blood vessels and, therefore, improves blood circulation, reducing pressure on the vessels and the heart. Therefore, blood pressure tends to decrease, especially in people with high blood pressure.
6. Improve heart health
In addition to lowering blood pressure, Ginkgo also appears to prevent the formation of blood clots. This way, there is less pressure on the heart, which ends up making it easier to function. Furthermore, as there is a lower risk of having clots, there is also less chance of having a heart attack, for example.
7. Increase libido
Ginkgo biloba appears to increase libido through the hormonal balance it causes and the increase in blood circulation to the genital region, which ends up helping men with erectile dysfunction, for example.
How to take Ginkgo biloba
How to use Ginkgo biloba may vary according to the benefit you want to achieve and the brand of the laboratory that is producing the supplement. Therefore, it is best to always read the instructions on the product box or ask a naturopath for advice, for example.
However, the standard dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract to improve concentration and brain performance is 120 to 240 mg, 1 to 4 hours before a test, for example. As a dietary supplement and to obtain several other benefits, the standard dose is 40 to 120 mg, 3 times a day.
Ideally, Ginkgo biloba supplements should be taken with a meal to facilitate absorption.
How to make ginkgo biloba tea
Ginkgo biloba tea can be easily prepared at home, however, it is not possible to know the amount of active substances in the tea. Therefore, whenever possible, it is recommended to use the supplement to obtain a more correct dosage.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of dried ginkgo biloba leaves;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then strain, let cool and drink.
Possible side effects
Side effects of Ginkgo biloba are rare, especially when used in the correct dose, however, some people may experience a headache, an allergic skin reaction, nausea, palpitations, bleeding or a decrease in blood pressure.
Who shouldn’t take
Although it is a very safe plant, Ginkgo biloba should not be used in children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, as well as in patients at high risk of bleeding or with any active bleeding.
