Ginkgo Leaf

Ginkgo Biloba

Tea

Stimulates blood flow, blood thinner

Memory-loss, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, hearing disorders, claudication, Raynaud’s syndrome, sexual performance

Do not take if you are pregnant or breast feeding, if you have a bleeding disorder or if you have had seizures. If you are due to have surgery cease using two weeks before. If you are diabetic regularly monitor your blood sugar level. If you are trying to have a baby discuss your use of ginkgo with your healthcare provider before commencing use. Recommended not to prolong exposure for children. Other minor side effects have been reported. If in doubt, consult your G.P. before taking ginkgo biloba.

Background

Ginkgo grows to be a tree with fan-shaped leaves. Although Ginkgo is native to parts of Asia, including China, Japan and Korea, it has been grown in the West since the 18th century. The most impressive fact about this primeval tree is that the species has remained unchanged and predates most other trees

Uses

Ginkgo leaf tea seems to improve blood circulation, which can help the brain, eyes, ears, and legs function better. Ginkgo is often used for Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, especially in older people. Other conditions that it is used for include, headaches, ringing in the ears, vertigo, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, and hearing disorders. Ginkgo has been used to reduce leg pain when walking (claudication), and Raynaud’s syndrome (a painful response to cold, especially in the fingers and toes). Combined with hawthorn leaf it strengthens the heart and can improve memory if drunk regularly. Gingko has been used to treat sexual performance problems, including those that can accompany taking certain antidepressants called SSRIs.

Precautions

Do not take if you are pregnant or breast feeding, if you have a bleeding disorder or if you have had seizures. If you are due to have surgery cease using two weeks before. If you are diabetic regularly monitor your blood sugar level. If you are trying to have a baby discuss your use of ginkgo with your healthcare provider before commencing use.
Otherwise, Gingko is generally considered safe although for children and infants it is recommended not to prolong exposure. Some minor side effects have been reported such as, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, forceful heartbeat, and allergic skin reactions. Those with weak capillaries may suffer from bleeding, in which case, taking gingko should be discontinued immediately. If in doubt, consult your G.P. before taking ginkgo biloba.

Further Reading

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-333/ginkgo
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginkgo-biloba-benefits