Ginkgo Biloba Versus Aspirin
Could Ginkgo Extract Offer a Natural Alternative to Aspirin?
Mar 28, 2009
Aspirin is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. More than ever before, people with circulatory problems are using it as a preventative therapy against strokes and heart attacks. Aspirin, however, can cause abdominal bleeding, tinitus and other problems.
How Ginkgo Supplements Improves Blood Circulation
The Gingko Biloba tree is native to China that produces fan-like leaves that are harvested for medicinal purposes. Its effects upon the body are remarkably similar to Aspirin in that it inhibits platelet aggregation and relaxes blood vessels. This means that it improves blood flow and helps prevent clots, which could otherwise lead to strokes and heart attacks to those at risk.
But those who wish to buy gingko, the health benefits that gingko offers does not end there.
Gingko Biloba Benefits
Ginkgo leaves contain natural chemicals known as flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides bilobalides), free radicals, which have antioxidant properties, which protects the body from free radical damage and could be a preventative treatment for various conditions.
Preventative to Degenerative Diseases
Free radicals are oxidising particles that cause damage to living cells in the same way that oxygen causes rust. These particles occur naturally, but toxins in the diet and in the environment increase their number; UV light, cigarette smoke, pollution and fast food are the main offenders.
The accumulative effect of free radicals is thought to lead to degenerative diseases such as heart problems, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Gingko Biloba Effects
It is thought that ginkgo’s enhancement of blood flow to the brain might have the effect of improving memory function and aid dementia. Although much research has been done on the subject, the jury is still out, but ginkgo has shown to improve concentration in certain cases.
Ginkgo Biloba's Resistance to Disease
Ginkgo’s remarkable resistance to free radical damage is reflected in its robustness as a plant. It is a unique tree with a classification of its own. The tree grows up to 120 feet and the roots dig deep. Some ginkgoes live up to 2,500 years old and it has hardly changed in millions of years. For this reason, it is considered to be a living fossil.
The tree is remarkably resistant to disease, pesticides, climate and radiation. Most astonishingly, six living ginkgo trees were found one mile from the Hiroshima blast within an area otherwise devastated. A few years later, the trees returned to health.
A Natural Alternative to Aspirin
With so much to offer, one might consider taking ginkgo as an alternative to Aspirin. Ginkgo has been widely cultivated and used for medicinal purposes in Asia and North America for many years, and is now commonly used in Europe as a preventative to cardio vascular disease. However, Western medicine has yet to embrace it fully.
However, Ginkgo can be purchased in most health shops in tablet form (from 40-200mg per day) or in teabags. It can easily be cultivated and the leaves harvested for infusions. It has a rather bitter nutty taste.
When not to take Ginkgo
Ginkgo and Aspirin must never be taken together as they have a similar effect upon the blood. As with most medicinal agents, ginkgo should not be taken whilst pregnant or breastfeeding, and is inadvisable for young children. The GP is the first port of call if any other medication is taken, or if the subject suffers from blood clotting disorders.
Ginkgo as an Aspirin Alternative
With both Aspirin and ginkgo having an anti-coagulating effect, one might consider the natural alternative, particularly if it offers antioxidants to boot. The GP must always be consulted before making the change to gingko biloba extract.
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