Ginkgo Biloba

Source: Reader’s Digest, The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

MAJOR BENEFITS: The fact that ginkgo aids blood flow to the brain – thus increasing oxygen – is of particular relevance to older people, whose arteries may have narrowed with cholesterol buildup or other conditions. Diminished blood flow has been linked to Alzheimer’s and memory loss, as well as to anxiety, headaches, depression, confusion, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. All may be helped by ginkgo.

In addition, by increasing blood flow to the nerve-rich fibers of the eyes and ears, some studies suggest ginkgo may be of value in treating macular degeneration or diabetes-related eye disease (both leading causes of blindness), as well as some types of hearing loss. Ongoing studies are assessing the possible effectiveness of ginkgo in speeding up recovery from certain strokes and head injuries, as well as in treating other conditions that may be related to circulatory or nervous system impairment, including impotence, multiple sclerosis, and nerve damage tied to diabetes.