Ginkgo: Effect and application of the medicinal plant

Due to its diverse effects, ginkgo has been a medicinal plant for thousands of years. How the remedy works depends very much on the application. We explain what you need to know in this health tip.

Ginkgo - effect of the medicinal plant

The healing agents are found in the leaves of the ginkgo tree.

• In addition to flavonoids, the leaves also contain ginkgolides and terpenes.
• This mixture of active ingredients protects the cells from harmful influences. The ingredients are radical scavengers and are therefore often used by cosmetic companies for their products.
• The ingredients of the ginkgo leaves also reduce the blood clotting a little. This allows the blood to flow better and tissue is better supplied with blood. This effect is also valued by the cosmetics industry.
• The circulation-promoting effect can also help with circulatory disorders and their effects. This is the case with tinnitus, for example, if this is caused by circulatory disorders.
• However, it doesn't help much if you prepare and enjoy ginkgo as tea. Only a very small amount of the ingredients are removed from the leaves during preparation.
• In order to benefit from the healing effects of the ginkgo, you have to resort to ginkgo extract.

Ginkgo and its effects on the brain

Gingko is often recommended to improve memory.

• Gingko is also said to have a positive effect on dementia diseases.
• Here, the scientists are not yet completely in agreement whether ginkgo can actually delay dementia.
• In Germany, a special extract of the ginkgo plant called Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 is approved for the use of symptoms caused by dementia.
• In addition to memory and concentration disorders, these complaints also include mood swings due to dementia.
• It is believed that this ginkgo extract not only improves the flow properties of the blood, but also has an effect on the messenger substances in the brain.
• In addition, the ginkgo extract is said to stabilize certain cell bodies in the brain, the mitochondria. These cell bodies are responsible for the energy production in the cells.

If you would like to plant ginkgo in your garden, we will show you how in our next post.