How to Take Ginkgo Biloba for Health

Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba) is also know as fossil tree, kew tree and maiden hair tree. It is one of the oldest living trees and can live for 1,000 years. Unlike most medicinal herbs, ginkgo biloba is normally taken as a standardized extract prepared from the dried leaves. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.

Instructions

Ginkgo Biloba for Health

1. Read about the historical uses of ginkgo biloba. The Chinese have used the leaf and seed medicinally for thousands of years and the earliest recorded reference to ginkgo biloba was in 2,800 BC. The seeds were served in drinks to speed the metabolism of alcohol. The leaf extract was used against allergies, asthma and bronchitis.

2. Examine the current uses of ginkgo biloba. It is widely used to treat dementia, eye problems, tinnitus and many other ailments, especially in Europe. The most important active ingredients are believed to be flavonoids and terpenoids.

3. Look at the results from modern scientific testing of ginkgo biloba. Clinical trials have not shown any measurable benefit to memory. The data is less clear for other treatments, but the Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for the treatment or prevention of any ailment.

4. Take no more than the normal dosage of 120 mg/day although dosages up to 240 mg/day are sometimes recommended. Standardized extracts contain 24 to 32 percent flavonoids and 6 to 12 percent terpenoids.

5. Study the side effects of ginkgo biloba. The extract is considered safe and side effects are rare but may include stomach upset, headaches and dizziness. Ginkgo biloba should not be taken by children less than 12 years old, pregnant and nursing women, or patients with bleeding disorders.