Ginkgo biloba is a plant that grows in northern regions. In autumn, ginkgo leaves are a popular tourist attraction. However, the appeal of ginkgo leaves as a tourist spot is just one aspect of their benefits. Ginkgo leaves also have the functions of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, reducing phlegm, and lowering cholesterol. Ginkgo leaves have a taste that is both sweet and bitter, and they are beneficial for the heart, lungs, and digestion. Ginkgo leaves have a wide range of effects on the human body and animals. They improve cardiovascular and peripheral vascular circulation, have a positive effect on myocardial ischemia, and enhance memory and brain function. Additionally, they can lower blood viscosity and eliminate free radicals. Of course, along with the benefits, ginkgo leaves also have some side effects, such as occasional dizziness, headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, dry tongue, chest tightness, stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Therefore, they should be taken under the guidance of a doctor. Now let's explore the medicinal and dietetic effects of ginkgo leaves together.
【Effects on the Skin】
1. Whitening: When our body is in a bad state, our endocrine system is prone to imbalances. This leads to an excess of oxygen free radicals in the body, but a deficiency of superoxide dismutase (SOD). As a result, the excess oxygen free radicals react with dermal cells, causing oxidation and the formation of a large amount of lipofuscin (lipid peroxide), which leads to the formation of melasma or pregnancy spots. The flavonoids in ginkgo leaves can inhibit the formation and deposition of pigments in the dermis, achieving the effects of whitening the skin and preventing and treating pigmented plaques. In addition to flavonoids, the trace elements manganese and molybdenum in ginkgo leaves can also eliminate oxygen free radicals and inhibit the growth of melanin.
2. Wrinkle-reducing: The human skin takes about 3 months to fully renew itself. However, why do we still have annoying fine lines on our faces? The reason is that the newly formed cells in the dermis are oxidized by excessive free radicals before they reach the surface of the skin. By the time they reach the epidermis, they are already aging cells. The flavonoid glycosides and flavonols in ginkgo leaves act as scavengers for free radicals, protecting dermal cells, improving blood circulation, and preventing the formation of wrinkles.
【Medicinal Uses of Ginkgo Leaves】
1. Treatment of Hypertension and Atherosclerosis: Ginkgo leaves are used to treat diseases such as arteritis, occlusive vascular disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cerebral embolism, and aplastic anemia.
2. Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease and Angina Pectoris: Take 15g of ginkgo leaves, 15g of bitter melon leaves, 15g of Salvia miltiorrhiza, 12g of Chinese chives, 9g of Curcuma aromatica, and 5g of Licorice root. Decoct and take orally.
