Ginkgo biloba is a very popular supplement that is found in many health products and medicines today. We take a closer look at what gingko biloba is, what it is used for, its side effects, as well as where you can buy it.
When it comes to natural ingredients, ginkgo biloba is definitely a popular supplement that is used to treat everything from reduced blood low to Alzheimer’s disease, mood disturbances, and leg pain. Also known as maidenhair, this ancient plant extract has been used to heal various health ailments for many decades.
How can you take it?
That’s one of the reasons why ginkgo biloba is so popular – it’s versatile and available as a capsule, tablet or a tea. The tea can be taken daily as a health supplement, as it is derived from the leaves of the ginkgo plant and high in antioxidants.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is derived from the dried leaves of the gingko plant, which is native to parts of Asia such as Japan, Korea, and China. It has been around since the 1700s and was introduced in the United States around 1784. Ginkgo is commonly available as a capsule, tea or tablet; however, the raw ginkgo seeds can be poisonous.
Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species in the world, living for more than 1,000 years at a time. It can grow up to 130 feet tall and some in China is believed to be more than 2,000 years old.
Is ginkgo biloba safe? Yes.
Ginkgo is considered safe and effective, with many benefits to the body. Ginkgo biloba has been studied tremendously for its anti-inflammatory properties, and according to research, it can help to improve cognitive function, increase energy and reduce symptoms for diseases like asthma and ADHD.
Ginkgo Biloba Uses in Traditional Medicine
According to clinical studies as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginkgo biloba is well-studied, safe and effective. It has been used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions, especially circulatory problems. Other traditional uses include helping with bladder infections and increasing sexual energy.
Ginkgo Biloba Memory and Brain Benefits
Ginkgo biloba is known to provide many cognitive benefits and is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. Doctors use it as they believe it can help with blood circulation to the brain. More recent studies show that it may help to protect nerve cells from damage in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. There is evidence that suggests ginkgo biloba can help with dementia, and the benefits include:
- Improved memory
- Better social behavior
- Better ability to perform daily tasks
One study found that ginkgo biloba was effective in treating Alzheimer’s and dementia. Researchers also believe that it can help to improve cognitive function as it helps to boost blood flow to the brain and protect it from neural damage.
Reduces Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Doctors believe that ginkgo biloba can help with dementia and Alzheimer’s as it helps to improve blood flow to the brain as well as protect nerve cells in the process. This can reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s as well as dementia, which is why ginkgo biloba is so widely used as a treatment in patients. The International Journal of Physiotherapy and Phytopharmacology reported that ginkgo biloba is currently the most investigated herbal treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Why is ginkgo biloba so beneficial?
Because it is believed that it can also help to increase the uptake of glucose by the brain cells. This also helps to improve circulation and keep cells active and healthy.
Increase Concentration
One of the great benefits of ginkgo biloba is the fact that it increases concentration. It can also help to reverse cognitive decline and heal fatigue. That’s why it’s used to treat cerebral insufficiency, which is a condition that leads to low concentration, confusion, and fatigue.
How does ginkgo achieve this?
Ginkgo biloba has shown to have very effective anti-inflammatory properties, increasing antioxidant activity as well as improving circulation in the body, which is all very and when maintaining cognitive health.
Researchers from the Institute for Medical Psychology at the University of Munich tested the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba on the mental performance of healthy adults, during a one-month period. They found that there were significant differences in their mental health as well as the quality of life between those who took ginkgo biloba, as opposed to the placebo group.
Reduces Anxiety
Another great benefit of gingko biloba is that it helps to reduce depression and anxiety. If you suffer from depression, mood swings or nervousness, ginkgo might be able to help. Research has shown that it is possible that ginkgo biloba can boost the body’s ability to handle stress and anxiety and counteract the effects of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
People who suffer from a general anxiety disorder can also benefit from this adaptogen herb and it can help people with panic attacks and social phobias as well.
Improves Memory
Ginkgo biloba contains more than 40 components and it is very effective to help improve memory. This is mainly due to the fact that it contains various detoxifying mechanisms that are used for immune function. Ginkgo is very well-researched and used worldwide to help improve memory and brain function.
Improves Brain Oxygen Supply
Ginkgo biloba contains two constituents, namely that terpenoids and flavonoids, which both have very strong antioxidant properties. Researchers believe that this may help to significantly reduce the progression of age-related diseases, as well as combating oxidative stress that usually gets worse as people age. Since ginkgo biloba improves circulation, it also increases the supply of oxygen to the brain, which helps to keep cells healthy and active and combat oxidative stress.
Could Reduce Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Some studies have found that when combined with antipsychotic drugs, ginkgo biloba might be quite effective as a supplement to treat people with schizophrenia as well as other serious mental disorders. It is also promising in the improvement of cognitive function for people with multiple sclerosis, which makes ginkgo biloba a very possible natural treatment for multiple sclerosis, even though further studies are still required.
Other Ginkgo Biloba Benefits
In addition to being very effective in improving memory, oxygen supply, and the general cognitive health, ginkgo biloba also has a wide variety of other benefits to offer.
It has very strong antioxidant properties, making it a very healthy natural supplement for the body, even in healthy, active individuals.
Is Anti-inflammatory
Ginkgo biloba acts as an anti-inflammatory as it has been widely studied for its platelet-forming and circulation boosting effects. Research suggests that due to the anti-inflammatory effects, it can be used to improve memory function and reduce symptoms of chronic diseases.
Is An Antioxidant
Ginkgo biloba contains terpenoids and flavonoids that allow it to act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help to reduce oxidative stress in the body and improve circulation, which is very important as someone ages.
Can Improve Blood Circulation
Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation, especially to the brain. This is important to promote cognitive health, making gingko a very popular, natural supplement. Good blood circulation also helps to protect other parts of the brain, preventing neural damage.
How to Take Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is available in various forms, including a tea, tablets or capsules. It can be bought over-the-counter and is also available through many online supplement stores.
What dosage should you take?
The dosage you need to take will depend on your specific needs, but in general, you can take 80 – 160 mg three times per day for four weeks to treat general anxiety. For people with dementia, a dosage of 120 – 240 mg taken per day is recommended, divided into two doses. To improve mental function, it is recommended to take single doses of 120 – 600 mg per day, divided into various dosages. For schizophrenia, take 120 – 60 mg of ginkgo leaf extract called EGb 761 daily, for eight to 16 weeks.
Ginkgo Biloba Tea
Ginkgo biloba tea is popular since it’s easy and inexpensive to take. It acts as a stronger antioxidant, as it is made from the extracts of the dried leaves of the plant. Ginkgo biloba tea can be taken two or three times per day to boost memory, circulation, fight fatigue, and more.
Ginkgo Biloba Supplements
Ginkgo biloba supplements are quite popular and are taken daily by people all over the world to boost their immune function, improve circulation and enhance memory. Apart from these benefits, ginkgo is also taken by patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia,
The Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects
Ginkgo biloba is generally considered to be very safe and that’s why it is so widely used. There are some minor side effects, such as stomach discomfort, headaches, and constipation if taken orally in large doses.
Are there serious side effects?
Not specifically; some animal studies have shown possible risks of thyroid and liver cancers when taken in extremely high doses. However, more studies are needed.
The ginkgo fruit pulp may cause an allergic skin reaction, especially in people who are allergic to poison ivy, mango rind and cashew shell oil. The short-term use of ginkgo intravenously may be unsafe, although it has been safely used for up to 10 days.
Ginkgo biloba Review: What Users Are Saying
Ginkgo biloba generally receives a very positive customer feedback, as can be seen by the various consumer ratings below.
Ginkgo biloba gets an overall rating of 9.4 out of 10, based on 204 reviews from Just Vitamins:
At Amazon, ginkgo biloba gets a 3.9 out of five stars, based on 189 customer reviews:
At Walmart, ginkgo biloba is rated 3.9 out of five stars, based on 12 reviews:
Vitamin World rates ginkgo biloba as 4.5 out of five stars:
Where to Buy Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is available for purchase from many online supplement stores, as well as pharmacies and health shops. It can be bought as a supplement over the counter and many health food stores carry a variety of ginkgo supplements, either in capsule or tea form.
Final Thoughts on Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a very popular supplement and also one of the best-selling herbal medicines in the world. It has numerous benefits to offer and is commonly used in people with memory problems, circulation issues, and even people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. If taken as directed, ginkgo biloba is safe and very effective, making it very popular for a variety of reasons. It’s a powerful antioxidant too, so it’s ideal for healthy adults to supplement with.