For some time we have heard, maybe experienced and read about the benefits of Ginkgo.
The ancient herb Ginkgo Biloba has positive effects for memory and may delay dementia (together with some dietary changes). It benefits the circulation and helps with cold hands and feet.
The Ginkgo trees originate from Asia and can grow as high as 35 metres. The leaves have a beautiful fan like shape. The herb has long been used medicinally in China and other countries. It is also very effective for headaches. As it is found to increase cranial blood flow.
I started using the herb a long time ago when my children were little, when I suffered numbness in my right arm and hand when waking up in the morning. Probably caused by lack of rest and carrying heavy things, like kids. After trying various treatments I found that Ginkgo quickly offered respite. I took it for about 2-3 months and it never came back. It also dealt with a minors chilblain problem that I started developing, and treated that as well. Cold hands and feet became a thing of the past.
About 5 years ago, before I realised that my mother started going towards dementia, she visited me in London. It appeared that she had not packed her bag properly and she carried alot of underwear and tissues, various old keys and old handbags, but no daywear or toiletries. I asked why she had packed so strangely and she said, ‘what are you talking about’. I took her shopping as she did not have a change of clothes. I noticed that she talked a lot, but not about relevant things and topics but she was reciting her favourite TV shows in Holland. She did not really seem to be remembering some important facts about herself and her life. Having plenty of Ginkgo in the house I started giving her some at breakfast. Within 2 days she said, ‘where are my clothes, I can’t believe I packed like this!’. She started talking more coherently, I asked my father if he would make sure that she continued taking the Ginkgo, when they left I gave him a 6 months supply with full instructions. But he forgot.
Ginkgo improves cognitive performance and social functioning for those suffering from dementia*. Research since then has been equally promising. One study in 2006 found Ginkgo as effective as the dementia drug Aricept (donepezil) for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s type dementia*. A 2010 meta-analysis found Gingko biloba to be effective for a variety of types of dementia. It is now widely accepted that we have many good herbals that can work as well as allopathic medicine without the side effects. Of course there are many restrictions, what we can say about a herb’s benefit and what can be sold over the counter, it is good to get the advice of a qualified herbalist.
When taking herbs it is always advisable to take a break from time to time to give the body a rest. Ginkgo is not known to have many side effects but caution is advised if taking Statins or similar. Also if their are any blood problems advice must be sought.
One should always get medical advice when adding a herbal to your regime.
*Ref: European journal of Neurology, Sept 2006. 13(9) 981-985
