Think you have lost a little spring in your step? What about a little bounce in your brain? As long as you don't have any serious medical problems, exercising and eating right will ward off the physical signs of aging. Mental fitness is more difficult to maintain--unless you know the secrets of ginkgo biloba.
Ginkgo biloba is a worldwide herbal star that has been used safely for over 3,000 years and has undergone extensive laboratory testing. One way gingko increases longevity is by helping your body get rid of cell-destroying free radicals. The extract from the tree is a "free radical scavenger" and antioxidant. It inactivates free radicals, protects the genetic material in cells and helps slow down aging.
Better blood flow
How does ginkgo fight aging? First, it widens your blood vessels so more blood can get through. Scientists have isolated compounds called flavonoids in ginkgo extract. These flavonoids force the blood vessels to relax, which allows them to carry more blood.
Second, it makes the blood vessels sticky by keeping platelets separated by blocking platelet activating factor or PAF, which triggers blood clotting when you have an injury--a good thing. But PAF can also cause the platelets to clump too much with your blood vessels. Medical doctors often prescribe blood thinning drugs for people as they get older to avoid thickening of the blood. But by blocking PAF, ginkgo acts as a natural blood thinner.
Third, ginkgo keeps the bad LDL cholesterol from clumping up on the blood vessel walls, keeping the veins and arteries wide open for maximum blood flow.
Boosts brain power
Like any part of the body, the brain needs adequate blood flow for proper function. As you get older, however, your body has a hard time sending the brain all the blood it needs. Imagine the drain pipe from the kitchen sink. Over time, water drains through the pipe a little slower--this happens in everybody's kitchen. If you pour in a little drain opener, the water starts to flow faster. That's exactly what ginkgo can do for your blood flow to your brain!
Clinical studies show that the extract of the ginkgo tree can increase blood flow to the brain. What's more, the older you are, the better ginkgo appears to work. One study found that blood flow to the brain was increased by about 20 percent for people ages 30 to 50, but an astounding 70 percent for people ages 51 to 70 and older.
More blood flow means brain power and better short-term memory. It specially means protection against what doctors call "cerebral insufficiency" or dementia. Here are the 12 symptoms of cerebral insufficiency that ginkgo may improve:
• difficult concentrating
• confusion
• tiredness
• sadness
• dizziness
• headaches
• absentmindedness
• lack of energy
• anxiety
• decreased physical performance
• tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• depression
Ginkgo is a supplement you can add to your list of daily vitamins and herbs, but don't wait until you feel bad to take it. You will probably have to take the supplement for four to six weeks before noticing a difference in your health.
Klaus Ferlow, an honorary master herbalist (Dominion Herbal College), is a lecturer, researcher, author, and president, founder and co-owner of Ferlow Botanicals (http://www.ferlowbotanicals.com) and a Director of HANS. His articles are published in health and women's magazines, newspapers and newsletters in Canada, the US and the UK and on websites around the world.
Brain and Circulation Tea
Ginkgo leaves 1 part, lavender 1/2 part, wood betony 1 part, lemon balm 1 part, stevia herb 1/8-1/4 part. Adjust the amount and according to how sweet you want the tea. Since stevia is very sweet, you might start on the low side.