Gingko biloba is commonly used to treat dementia, intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries), tinnitus and eye problems. It is believed that ginkgo helps with poor blood circulation & mental cognition benefitting conditions that are circulation related.
Ginkgo Biloba (Salisburia adiantifolia) has been used for thousands of years in China to heal various health ailments. Other common names for ginkgo are fossil tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, yinhsing or more commonly maidenhair tree. It was used in the past to treat senility, asthma, kidney and bladder disorders.
Today gingko bilobas leaves are the primary element used and are made into tablets, capsules, extracts and tea.
Tidbits About Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo trees are large, typically reaching a height of 66–115 ft (20–35 m), with some specimens in China being over 160 ft. The tree usually has an angular shape with long branches and is usually deep-rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage. In the autumn the leaves turn bright yellow and fall pretty quickly, usually in about a 2 week span. The ginkgo tree is resistant to disease and insects. This coupled with the ability to form aerial roots and sprouts give ginkgos a long life span. Some specimens are claimed to be more than 2,500 years old. (1)
According to wikipedia ginkgo leaf extracts contain the phytochemicals phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, flavonoid glycosides, such as myricetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and quercetin, and the terpene trilactones, ginkgolides and bilobalides.
Gingko biloba leaves contains flavonoids which are plant based antioxidants. Flavonoids have been shown to protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Another compound in gingko is terpenoids, another antioxidant, which improves blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing stickiness of platelets. Antioxidants such as these help the body to fight free radicals and protects the body from DNA and other cell damage. (2)
Health Benefits of Gingko Biloba
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
A lot has been written and investigated about the effectiveness of gingko in helping improve symptoms for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. While clinical studies haven’t shown any improvements in symptoms you still find that in Europe gingko is widely used to treat these conditions. The theory is that gingko’s ability to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow is a factor in its effectiveness. Furthermore, observations show there have been improvements in thinking, learning and memory. Apparently, performing daily tasks became easier, social behavior improved and subjects had less feelings of depression.
While it has been reported that the addition of ginkgo to certain Alzheimer’s medications offered improvement a well-designed study in 2008 with more than 3,000 elderly people found that ginkgo was no better than placebo in preventing dementia or Alzheimer disease.(3)
Leg Health
Intermittent claudication is a condition where there is pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs. This condition results in extreme pain when trying to walk. Because of gingko’s ability to enhance circulation it is used for relief of leg pain due to intermittent claudication. An evaluation of 14 trials with a total of 739 participants were included in a study to access if gingko would be effective at lowering leg pain. The results showed that participants were on average able to walk 64 meters farther on a flat treadmill than those who took the placebo. In fact, the data suggests that gingko works just as well as prescription medication for the same use. This is promising for offering pain relief. Regular walking exercises practiced several times a week offered even better results so if you are suffering from intermittent claudication just keep walking. (4)
Raynauds Phenomenon
Raynauds is a condition where the blood vessels constrict in the fingers and toes. Sometimes the ears and nose can be affected as well. This causes digits to lose blood circulation and turn white or blue. It is brought on by cold or stress and can be frightening the first few times it happens because the affected body part can feel numb and cold. Symptoms include throbbing, tingling, numbness and pain. Worst cases can include isolated mini strokes where ulcers, sometimes turning gangrenous, can sometimes occur. Keeping the blood flow healthy and keeping warm are imperative for the integrity of the affected body parts and to take care of yourself if you have this condition.
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of gingko biloba. For 2 weeks participants were asked to record the frequency, severity and duration of their attacks. For the next 10 weeks the participants were given either gingko or a placebo and continued to track their attacks in a journal. Results concluded that the gingko group had a reduction of 56% in the number of attacks, whereas the placebo groups attacks were reduced by only 27%. In conclusion, Ginkgo may be effective in reducing the number of Raynaud’s attacks per week in patients suffering from Raynaud’s disease. (5)
Eye Health
Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration – Glaucoma is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing gradual loss of sight. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the retina. Unfortunately macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Gingko has the potential to increase blood flow and prevent membrane damage caused by free radicals. Vascular factors and oxidative damage are thought to be two potential reasons for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Flavonoids in gingko show promise in slowing or stopping progression of eye diseases helping to preserve healthy eyesight. (6) (7)
Premenstrual Syndrome
Research has shown positive effects of taking ginkgo to reduce symptoms of PMS, like fatigue, mood swings, headaches, anxiety and cramping.
In a randomized, placebo controlled trial which took place in Tehran 90 students were verified to suffer PMS symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned, some taking a placebo and others taking G. biloba L. tablets (containing 40 mg leaf extracts) three times a day from the 16th day of the menstrual cycle to the 5th day of the next cycle. Data was collected using daily symptom rating forms. While both groups reported a reduction in symptoms, the decrease in the severity of symptoms was significantly more in the Ginkgo group compared to the placebo group. (8)
Anxiety
Gingko may help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. A study was conducted to test the efficacy of gingko to treat anxiety disorders. Elderly patients who were taking gingko were shown to have improvement in anxiety and depressive symptoms. The treated elderly people were in various states of age related mental decline. Because of the good results that were seen with the older people testing was done to see if the same results would be seen with younger participants in the study. It was found that the resulting benefits took approximately 4 weeks. Results showed a marked decrease in the gingko group over the placebo group. (9)
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a ringing, whstling or clicking in the ears. It is estimated that 50 million people are afflicted with this condition. Most tinnitus cases are due to damage to the cochlea, or inner ear. While there can be other causes such as medications or past ear infections. Tinnitus usually makes it’s appearance when people reach about 50 years of age but can occur much younger in some cases.
Gingko biloba improves blood flow and appropriately regulates vascular tone. It’s thought that vascular problems are one of the causes for tinnitus originating from the area of the cochlear nerve. Gingko biloba increases blood flow and circulation benefiting the cochlea in the inner ear. Flavonoids in Gingko Biloba have antioxidant and vasodilator actions and terpene lactones act as antiplatelet agents thereby benefitting the condition. (10)
How to Use Gingko Biloba
Dosages
Depending on the condition you are treating with Gingko Biloba your dosage will be 40 – 360 milligrams daily. You will see more results with higher doses as it is dose dependant but be sure to stick to recommended dosages. It can take 4-6 weeks to see results form consistant use. Gingko can be found in tea, capsule, tincture or dried leaf form. It can be found in health food stores or online. Look for extracts that have 24 to 32 percent flavonoids and 6 to 12 percent terpenoids. (11)
DIY Gingko Biloba Tincture
You can buy tinctures in health food stores and online but I like to make my own. I buy Gingko Biloba in loose leaf form. From there I can use it to make a cup of tea or make my own tincture. For a DIY tincture you will need:
- Dark glass dropper bottles
- 1 cup of loose leaf gingko biloba
- 1 Mason Jar
- Vodka
Fill your mason jar about 3/4 full with loose gingko leaves. Add 80+ proof Vodka to completely cover the leaves. Shake well and place in a cool dark place. I put mine in my pantry and close the door. Every day shake the mixture well and place back in the cool dark place. Do this for 30 days. After 30 days strain the leaves out of the vodka mixture and place your tincture into your dark glass dropper bottles. Discard the leaves. The tincture will last several years and the dosage is typically about 1 dropperful.
If you would like instructions for an alcohol free version read How to Make a Glycerite
Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that herbs can trigger side effects and interact with supplements, medications or other herbs,. Herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a qualified herbalist or doctor well versed in the field of botanical medicine.
- Always make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking herbal supplements.
- Refrain from taking gingko if you have a surgery planned as it may increase bleeding.
- Don’t give gingko to children.
- Refrain from taking gingko if you are on blood thinner medication.
- Don’t injest the berries or fruits of the Gingko tree.
Summary
Gingko Biloba is one of the most widely used herbal remedies in the world. It’s ability to improve cognition and reduce inflammation make it a excellent choice for maintaining and improving your health. It has so many useful benefits that Germany and other European countries have incorporated into their medical protocols.
For a FREE Printable of information about Gingko Biloba go HERE
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Disclaimer
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. Always talk with your doctor or qualified health care professional before taking any herbal remedies to ensure safety, especially if you are already on medications. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider.