Maidenhair is considered to be the oldest living tree on
Earth. In fact, studies have showed that this tree existed two hundred million
years ago, and it originally came from China. All parts of Maidenhair tree can
be used in treating different ailments. Its leaves, fruits, seeds and even the
bark can improve a person’s health and wellness.
The Maidenhair tea is gaining popularity because of its
health benefits. It is made out from the whole or cut leaves and is prepared
similarly to other green teas and herb infusions. The tea is claimed to have a
high amount of antioxidants, and that is why people who want to look young and
live healthy can start drinking Maidenhair tea regularly.
You still need research, but scientists believe that Maidenhair
will be useful to treat the harmful effects of multiple sclerosis in the future. (1)
Multiple
sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating neurological disease afflicting young
and middle-aged adults, resulting in problems with coordination, strength,
cognition, affect, and sensation.
In
2006, a study was conducted to determine whether a maidenhair extract (EGb 761)
improved functional performance in individuals with MS. The results were
published in EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing.
This
study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, and
participants followed a regimen of four tablets per day at 60 mg per tablet for
four weeks.
Twenty-two
individuals with MS were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control
condition. Groups did not differ with respect to age, IQ, and education.
Half
of the subjects received 240 mg per day of maidenhair special extract (EGb
761), and the other half received placebo.
The main
outcome measures assessed depression, anxiety, fatigue; symptom severity and
functional performance.
The maidenhair
group significantly showed improvement on four measures. The maidenhair group
also exhibited less fatigue at follow-up compared with the placebo group.
This study showed that no adverse events
or side effects were reported and that maidenhair exerted modest beneficial
effects on select functional measures (e.g., fatigue) among some individuals
with MS. (2)
1- (2012, 10 26th). Health Benefits of
Ginkgo Biloba Tea. Dream Tea Boutique. Retrieved from http://dreamteaboutique.com/health-benefits-of-ginkgo-biloba-tea/
2- K.Johnson, S., J.Diamond, B.,
Rausch, S., Kaufman, M., & C.Shiflett, S., & Graves, L. (2006). The
Effect of Ginkgo Biloba on Functional Measures in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot
Randomized Controlled Trial. EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing, 2(1),
19-24. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830705004635
