Photo Credit: toto8888 / istockphoto.com
2. Ginkgo Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Ginkgo improves the flow of blood flow throughout your body. If you have COPD, you have difficulty getting oxygen to your bodily tissues and removing excess carbon dioxide from them. Gingko improves oxygenation of your tissues by supporting your circulation. The herb also reduces the oxygen needs of your heart, which reduces shortness of breath and resultant chest pain.
If you do not get enough oxygen to your brain, you may become irritable, anxious or confused. A well-known tonic for brain function, ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain. It also contains concentrated nutrients that enhance the health of your entire body.
Many people who have COPD take corticosteroid medications in order to reduce inflammation and open up their air passages. Unfortunately, corticosteroids cause thinning of the skin and a tendency to bruise easily. Ginkgo strengthens the walls of blood vessels, preventing bruising and tissue damage.
The herb may also be used as a mild blood thinner if you cannot take aspirin. However, do not use ginkgo without consulting with your health care provider if you take warfarin or other anticoagulants.
It may take up to two months before you see benefits from treatment with ginkgo. Take a minimum of 40mg of a standardized extract or its equivalent three times daily, and follow product label instructions.
COPD is progressive; this means many people with COPD eventually develop hypoxemia, which may result in the need to use oxygen.