Ginkgo biloba is a tree with leaves that have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been used to treat fatigue, bronchitis, asthma and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Today it is used to improve memory and in treating Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, claudication (when arteries narrow in the legs and cause pain) and sexual dysfunction. The National Centers for Complementary Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting a study with 3,000 volunteers to determine if gingko can prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The study is also examining if ginkgo can reduce the rates of cardiovascular disease and of premature death.
Instructions
1. Start by consulting an integrative medicine physician or trained herbalist who can give you specific guidelines if you want to take ginkgo for Alzheimer’s disease or if you have any chronic diseases or other serious illnesses or health conditions.
2. Do not self-diagnose. If you are interested in taking ginkgo to boost your memory, consult with a physician, herbalist or other medical professional with training in herbal medicine. Especially if you are taking other medications or other herbal supplements, it is a good idea to consult with a about contraindications. Different herbal supplements have different effects and some may not be appropriate if you are already taking prescribed medication.
3. Read through the links below to become familiar with the medical uses for ginkgo. Read the links to NCCAM as to the general cautions for taking any herbal supplement. It is important to remember that there may be dozens of active components in an herbal supplement but only a few of them may have been identified. This increases the risk for potential adverse reactions.
4. Do not fall victim to the misperception that herbal supplements are somehow “safer” or less toxic than pharmaceutical drugs. There are many herbal supplements that can be toxic if taken in the wrong combination or above the recommended dosage.
5. Allow time for the herbal supplements to work. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, herbal supplements may take several weeks to show any effect. Read the labels closely on any herbal supplement you take and check in with your physician to update him or her on any changes in your condition.
6. Keep yourself well-informed. If you decide to take any herbal supplement regularly, check reputable websites for any new information regarding safety and use. The NIH is performing studies on using ginkgo for asthma, cognitive decline, multiple sclerosis, insulin resistance and caudication.
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