Ginkgo Plant
Ginkgo plant (Ginkgo Biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species (200 million years). This plant can grow up to 120 feet tall and live for as long as 1000 years. Ginkgo plant's leaves and fruit seeds are believed to have medicinal properties; however, the fruit pulp is toxic and should be handled with care.
How does ginkgo plant work?
Ginkgo plant increases levels of estrogen (a key hormone that plays a role in several bodily functions) by supplying the body with phytoestrogens, botanical compounds with a chemical structure very similar to human estrogen. Ginkgo plant also has other unique properties that can help to relieve certain disorders specific to women.
What is ginkgo plant used for?
The ancient Chinese used Ginkgo plant as an herbal medicine to treat asthma and to improve blood circulation and mental performance.
Currently, Ginkgo plant is used to:
. Improve blood flow to most tissues and
organs
. Correct sleep disturbances.
Ginkgo plant relieves these menopause symptoms:
. Vascular Disease
. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
. Memory lapses
Pros and cons for using ginkgo plant for menopause
PROS
Ginkgo Plant enhances memory: This herb was used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance memory, and today research has confirmed that Ginkgo is an effective memory enhancer.
Ginkgo Plant stimulates blood circulation: Ginkgo Plant is a strong anti-oxidant that can improve nerve cell function and increase blood flow to the nervous system and brain.
Ginkgo Plant relieves hearing disorders: Nerve damage and certain blood vessel conditions can result in tinnitus (ringing in the ears or head when no external sound is existent), which Ginkgo Plant can help to correct.
CONS
Ginkgo Plant is very limited for relieving menopause symptoms. Memory lapse is the only menopause symptom Ginkgo Plant can treat effectively.
Ginkgo Plant can be harmful. Raw Ginkgo Plant seeds contain a chemical called Bilobatoxin, which can induce seizures if consumed. Ingesting large quantities even of cooked seeds can cause intoxication.
Ginkgo Plant has adverse effects, especially for those with blood circulation conditions or individuals taking anti-coagulants, such as aspirin or warfarin. Ginkgo should not be used by pregnant women or if taking anti-depressants.
Conclusions about ginkgo plant
Ginkgo plant is great for alleviating the menopause symptom such as memory lapses. However, Ginkgo plant has been criticized because it adds artificial hormones to the body, and thus can trigger side effects, including serious problems like breast cancer.
There are other alternative treatments which are just as helpful as Ginkgo plant, but without the side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs, for example, are a great option for treating menopause symptoms. Read more in the following article.
