Ginkgo Biloba Facts - Benefits & Side Effects of This Popular Herb

Ginkgo Biloba comes from the Ginkgo tree, and is one of the oldest living trees ever. It was first introduced in Europe in the early 1700's and now everyone is using it all over the world, even some regular physicians are referring it to their patients as part as their healthy protocol. In today's world, Ginkgo Biloba is one of the top selling herbs in the United States for many reasons. Ginkgo Biloba is used for memory enhancement, altitude sickness, and many women use it to help with their PMS symptoms. Ginkgo Biloba helps strengthen capillary walls, and helps brain cells against damage. It has been used for early stage Alzheimer's, and vascular dementia.

The one main reason Ginkgo Biloba is used for is that it most likely works overall as a good antioxidant, Ginkgo has been used for depression or SAD (seasonal affective disorder) which is where people can become sad or upset due to the fact there is no sunshine, or that they have the "winter blahs", but there is not enough evidence as to if Ginkgo really helps with this ailment. Allergic reactions to Ginkgo Biloba include skin blistering, and an allergic cross reaction has been reported in cases with people that are allergic to poison ivy, or poison oak. Ginkgo Biloba seems to be well tolerated by adults, but some minor side effects while using this herb include nausea, headache, and stomach upset. These side effects too, could be due to the fact that the body is adapting to this herb. People that have insulin or blood sugar problems should take this herb with caution, due to the fact that Ginkgo has glycosides, and terpenoids, which can impact their blood sugar. They need to contact their health care provider, just like everyone else should, whether you have health ailments or not.

Like all other herbal supplements, women that are pregnant, or could become pregnant should avoid Ginkgo Biloba because there are not enough studies that have been done to determine if it could harm the baby. It is hazardous to treat infants and children less than two years of age with any herbal preparations. Three more positive effects that Ginkgo Biloba can have on the body includes, improvement of blood flow to tissues and organs, protection against cell damage, and blockage of the effects of the platelet factor. Ginkgo Biloba was thought to be extinct in the wild for centuries, but now it has been known to grow in eastern china. Asians and other millions of people are now using Ginkgo Biloba also. It tolerates pollution and confined soil spaces well, and is attacked by few insects.

When storing this herb, you need to keep it in a cool and dry location and away from direct light. The light can have an impact on the purity of the herb. You do not want to freeze ginkgo, and do not store in a bathroom cabinet, where it could be damp and hot. These components could alter the state and action of Ginkgo Biloba. This herb is caffeine free, and will not alter your state in way, shape or form like caffeine could.

By Melissa Hood