How Ginko Biloba Can Enhance Memory in Chinese Medicine
By freelance writer Sally Perkins
Around 1.6 million U.S adults use the herb ginkgo biloba which can help with various ailments, including memory loss. Experiencing memory loss may well set off alarm bells, but according to the National Institute on Aging, it is often a reversible condition. Although Alzheimer’s may be the first conclusion that people jump to, there are actually a variety of causes which can occur at any age and recognizing what the root of the issue is and addressing it could also help to alleviate the memory loss. Chinese medicines, such as ginkgo biloba, can benefit brain function through improved circulation to the brain and can be used in addition to other healing practices such as targeting acupuncture points for better memory.
Understanding the Causes of Memory Loss
Memory loss tends to occur naturally with age but it is not necessarily only a symptom of getting older. In fact, it often occurs in much younger people as well and once the root of what is causing it has been fixed, the problem of the memory loss is often also solved. Poor sleep and feeling fatigued can result in your brain not operating on all cylinders and lead to memory complaints. If you are taking several medications at the same time, that could also contribute to feelings of confusion and forgetfulness.
Another underlying health problem that could be the cause of memory loss is a nutritional deficiency. Checking the condition of your cognitive function can be done online with an IQ test. It is important to be aware of what is normal for you and not taking it as a personal criticism when people close to you make observations about your slower than usual recall or forgetfulness.
Ginko Biloba leaf / Photo by Buzo Jesús on Unsplash
Ginkgo Biloba to Improve Memory
There are many different herbs that are used in Chinese medicine that can be used to treat all manner of ailments. However, ginkgo biloba is the most popular for improved cognitive function. The way it works is by dilating the blood vessels that nourish the brain, which increases the flow of blood to the neural tissue.
Ginkgo biloba improves concentration and cognitive function through increased blood circulation to the brain alongside a greater circulation of oxygen, helping to inhibit neural cell damage. It is suggested that a dosage of 120 to 240mg per day in two or three divided doses can help with memory impairment and that it ought to be taken along with meals so as not to upset your stomach.
Chinese medicine has evolved over thousands of years and is now commonly referred to in the United States as a form of complementary health practice. Memory loss can be attributed to a great many causes so panic need not be your immediate reaction since it is often treatable. Using Chinese medicine, such as ginkgo biloba, allows you to use natural methods to treat memory loss.
Featured image from vititaal.nl
Gingko - Good for Your Lungs & Brain
By Vicky Chan of NourishU
Ginkgo biloba’s natural health benefits are recognized by practitioners of traditional medicine. They use the health benefits to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory.
Western researchers have valued ginkgo leaves as effective prevention and treatment for premature senility, dementia, brain damage and a wide range of cognitive disorders.
TCM classifies ginkgo seeds as neutral in nature, sweet and bitter in taste and is beneficial to the kidneys, heart and lungs. Ginkgo seeds are proven to have therapeutic effects such as being astringent to the lungs and relieving persistent cough and wheezing, they are a strong antioxidant, stabilize brain cells and prevent mental deterioration, treat asthma and tinnitus as well as treat impotence, spermatorrhea, nocturnal emission, white urine and frequent urination. Ginkgo seeds are used as a general drug as well as food. However, ginkgo seeds are known to be slightly poisonous if taken in large quantities with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. **The recommended daily limit is around 10 seeds per person.
Gingko seeds are commonly used in Chinese cuisine in soup, stew, congee, stir-fries and dessert. The following is a dessert recipe which is my personal favourite. It is easy to make and is good for people of all ages including children. Just prepare the ginkgo seeds ahead of time, keep them in the freezer and they can come in handy. This dessert is especially good in winter months because it is warming, soothing to the respiratory system and helps to moisturize skin to combat the dry heat in most households due to the heating system.
Gingko and Bean Curd Pastry Dessert
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS:
Clear heat and phlegm, moisturizes lungs and skin, and soothes the throat.
INGREDIENTS
(for two to three servings)
- Bean curd sheets 腐竹皮 - 2 sheets of fresh or 1 bag of dried sheets
- Gingko seeds白果- 20
- Rock sugar – to taste
- One egg
- Milk – half cup
1. Remove gingko shells with a nutcracker, cut into halves and put in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat, drain and let cool for a few minutes. While the water is still warm, remove membrane and while/green kernel in the middle if any. Rinse and put aside.
2. Cut bean curd sheets into tiny pieces if fresh one is used. If using dried ones, crush the sheets inside the plastic bag into fine pieces.
3. Bring 4 to 5 cups of water in a pot to boil and add in ginkgo seeds and bean curd. When the water comes to a boil again, reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the bean curd is mostly dissolved. Do not cover the cooking with a lid because it will boil over.
4. When ready, add sugar and milk. When it boils again, beat the egg and stir it in and immediately remove from heat to serve.
USAGE:
Limit not more than 10 ginkgo seeds per day per person. : )
Gingko - Good for Your Lungs & Brain
