Ginkgo Herbal Remedies
Modern research supports the use of ginkgo leaf extracts to improve circulation and protect blood vessels. It increases blood flow to the brain, improving brain function, including short-term memory and alertness, and when taken long-term can benefit tinnitis sufferers. Because of its circulatory stimulating properties, this herb has also been of benefit in peripheral arterial disease, increasing the distance people can walk without pain. Ginkgo is also known as a good antioxidant. Ginkgo extracts have shown promise for treating and preventing macular degeneration, Alzheimers syndrome, which affects memory and alertness in the elderly, as well as a host of autoimmune disorders such as asthma and hepatitis. Ginkgo is available as a standardized, concentrated (24%) extract in capsules, tablets, or in liquid form. The usual dose is 60 mg/day. Try this kind of potent extract if you have moderate to severe pathology, such as circulatory problems or ringing in the ears, where a consistently strong remedy is indicated. It is often best to consult with a qualified herbalist or other health care practitioner before using ginkgo in this form. Ginkgo has a taste of BITTER, SOUR, ASTRINGENT and a temperature of COOL.
Ginkgo Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Ginkgo Extract | 1 60 mg capsule or tablet 2-3 x daily |
| Ginkgo Tincture | 2-3 droppersful 2-3 x daily |
Ginkgo Reference Information
| Latin Name | Ginkgo biloba |
| Other Names | Maidenhair tree |
| Part Used | Leaf |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, tablet, capsule, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Blood, Cardiovascular system, Immune system, Liver, Nervous system |
| Cautions | Taking large doses of standardized extracts could possibly cause headaches or mild nausea in susceptible individuals. |
| Botanical Info | A large tree with fan-shaped leaves, native to China, but now planted as a street tree world-wide; often with two lobes, and small, round apricot-orange fruit. Ginkgo is the sole surviving member of an ancient family of trees. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Reynolds, J., ed. 1993. Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.