What is Ginkgo Biloba? 

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that comes from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree which contain compounds that have been shown to have medicinal properties. It is commonly used for its potential health benefits, which include improving memory and cognitive function, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, and improving eye health.

How does it work?

Ginkgo biloba is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving the function of nerve cells. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The active ingredients in ginkgo biloba include flavonoids, terpenoids, and ginkgolides. These compounds are believed to contribute to the herb's medicinal properties by increasing blood flow, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the function of nerve cells.

What forms does it come in?

Ginkgo biloba is available in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, and liquid extracts.

What if there’s an imbalance or deficiency?

An imbalance or deficiency of ginkgo biloba is not common, as it is not an essential nutrient.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Ginkgo biloba has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, especially in traditional Chinese medicine.

What can it help with?

Ginkgo biloba has been shown to help with the following conditions and symptoms:

• Improving memory and cognitive function
• Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improve focus and concentration
• Improving eye health and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration
• Improving symptoms of asthma and tinnitus
• Improving sexual function
• Improving symptoms of peripheral arterial disease
• Improving symptoms of altitude sickness
• Reducing the frequency and severity of headaches, especially migraines
• Improving symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Reducing symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

What can it help prevent?

Ginkgo biloba may help prevent the following conditions and symptoms:

• Age-related cognitive decline and dementia
• Depression and anxiety
• Headaches, especially migraines
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Glaucoma
• Tinnitus
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Asthma
• PMS
• Altitude sickness

Which foods are rich in it?

Ginkgo biloba is not commonly found in foods.

What are possible side effects?

• Stomach upset
• Headaches
• Allergic reactions (rare)
• May also increase the risk of bleeding, so it should be used with caution by people who take blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of ginkgo biloba is typically 40 to 200 mg, taken in divided doses throughout the day.

How many days does it take to work?

The length of time it takes for ginkgo biloba to work varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people may see improvements in as little as a few days, while others may need to take the herb for several weeks or months to see noticeable results.

What time of day is best to take it?

The best time of day to take ginkgo biloba is not well established, and may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Ginkgo biloba can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it with food if it causes stomach upset.