Ginkgo Biloba for Memory, Strokes, ED...

Ginkgo is a very strong antioxidant and so protects the cell from damage which is an underlying cause of all bodily disintegration, including clogged blood vessels in the heart, brain and extremities.

Ginkgo reduces the stickiness blood platelets which in turn reduces the formation of blood clots and plaque build up.

It increases the blood flow to the brain cells restoring the integrity of blood cells and is also anti-inflammatory.

According to Reuters (9th October 2008), a new study shows that the popular herbal supplement Ginkgo could protect the brain against the effects of a stroke.

Researchers led by Sylvain Dore of Johns Hopkins,found that Ginkgo supplements reduced the amount of damage caused in the brains of mice by 50 per cent.

The herb also appeared to reduce the amount of paralysis and limb weakness that the animals suffered.

The researchers said ginkgo may offer the same benefits in people - which would be particularly important because not much can be done to protect the brain after a stroke.

"Our results suggest that some element or elements in Ginkgo actually protect brain cells during stroke. We tested the concept of preventive medicine by giving ginkgo before stroke and we showed protection," said Dore.

"And the other thing we showed is the potential therapeutic application of ginkgo. So it was given after the stroke and we also showed protection," Dore said in a telephone interview.

"If further work confirms what we've seen, we could theoretically recommend a daily regimen of Ginkgo to people at high risk of stroke as a preventive measure against brain damage."

Ginkgo is used to:

-improve memory loss, mental function and reasoning

-slow the effects of Alzheimer's disease

-protect nerve cells against the effects of ageing

-ease the pain of walking in patients with "intermittent claudication" (painful blockages of the arteries)

-prevent mini strokes

-thins and lubricates the blood

-erectile dysfunction

-tinnitus or ringing in the ears

-dizziness

- migraine

and many other problems..

Ginkgo biloba can be taken as a tincture or a pill.
An effective dose for mild problems is a total of a standardised extract of 120mg, divided into three doses of 40mg.

For more serious problems, the tested dose is 240mg in divided doses, starting with a lower dose, looking for improvement and then increasing as neccessary.

Monitor for side effects and modify dose accordingly

Even though Ginkgo has an instant effect on the brain (it revs up brain activity within an hour after it's taken according to human EEG studies), it's benefits accumulate over time and it takes about 4-6 weeks to start feeling the benefit.

The most dramatic changes may not appear for upto 6 months.
So stick with it for at least 6 weeks before you give up on it..

Some users have complained of very mild, reversible side effects such as upset stomach, headaches and dizziness. Sometimes even irritability. Often this is due to exceeding the recommended dosage.
High doses are contraindicated in those who are on anti coagulant medication, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding problems or a history of haemorrhagic stroke.
In any case if you are on any medication or have a medical condition, always check with your doctor first.