Ginkgo as Natural Remedy

Ginkgo as Natural Remedy: Ginkgo is a herb that is found very useful in fighting anxiety and depression.

Ginkgo May Help Alleviate Anxiety 

Ginkgo is a herb. Ginkgo is one of the best-selling supplements in the US right now, thanks to its long history of healing uses. As with many ancient remedies, modern science is now caching up with traditional applications and verifying their efficacy. Current evidence supports the use of ginkgo in the treatment of:

• 
  Dementia disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,


• 
  Intermittent claudication (painful legs from clogged arteries) and


• 
  Cerebral insufficiency (decreased blood flow to the brain, also from clogged arteries).

 

Recent research demonstrates that ginkgo may also be helpful in relieving anxiety.

Research Confirms GINKGO Helps

Scientists in a German trail looked at 107 people with two kinds of anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder of adjustment disorder with anxious mood, which is the diagnosis for having a hard time dealing with change). Participants were given 480 milligrams (mg) of standardized ginkgo extract…240 mg of standardized ginkgo extract…or a placebo.

Before the trail, all scored about the same on a standard measurement of anxiety (approximately 30 points of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety). After four weeks, those taking the high dose of ginkgo experience a nearly 50% Drop in anxiety (14.3 points)…the lower dose was associated with a decrease of 12.1 points…and the placebo resulted in a 7.8 point decline.

This is relatively new use for ginkgo and one worthy of consideration, says Mark Stengler, ND, author of Bottom Line/Natural/Healing newsletter and The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. He believes ginkgo might be especially helpful for people with mild to moderate anxiety, particularly when it is accompanied by memory problems. The mechanism by which ginkgo relieves anxiety is unknown, but Dr. Stengler speculates that it may work by reducing blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol or by enhancing brain neurotransmitter levels.

Ginkgo – Not For Everyone 

While ginkgo is generally safe and can be extremely beneficial, it is best used under the care of a trained professional.

Possible side effects may include

• Dizziness,


• Digestive upset,


• Headaches,


• Palpitations,


• Diarrhea or


• Skin rash

and these are more likely to be seen in people taking pharmaceutical drugs including cardiac meds, as well as those with chronic health problems such as IBS or allergies. Even more important, there have been reports of spontaneous internal bleeding with ginkgo.

Note: If you suffer from a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin and other NSAIDs, antiplatelet drugs, other prescription drugs or supplements, be sure to consult a qualified health care professional before taking ginkgo. If you’re clear to take ginkgo, the prescription of choice is generally a leaf extract product in tincture or capsule form (such as one manufactured by Herb Pharm or Eclectic Institute’s fresh freeze-dried extract tablets or capsules).

Ginkgo as Natural Remedy