Without a doubt, I am certain that most of you have already heard of Ginkgo Biloba. But is Ginkgo Biloba good for Tinnitus? There is so much of hype and marketing going on regarding this herb. Is it deserving of all the attention? Let us find out.
As usual, I am going to start off by explaining exactly what Ginkgo Biloba is. You will learn how Ginkgo actually works. Then you will get to know about its numerous benefits as well as when it should NOT be used. And finally , we will find out if it helps or not for tinnitus.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Wikipedia, defines Ginkgo Biloba as a tree, which is native to China and wildly cultivated. It is used as source of food and offers numerous medicinal properties.
In fact, in Thailand, Ginkgo Seeds are served with coconut pieces as desserts. Ginkgo nuts are commonly served in weddings and eaten during the Chinese New Year.
What is in our Commercially available Ginkgo Preparations?
Ginkgo Biloba can be purchased commercially in a capsule or in a powder form. It does also come in a tablet and liquid form.
There are various dosages of Ginkgo available ranging from 60mg in the powder to 110mg or 190mg in the capsule form.But you have got to look closer before you buy!
The important thing to remember here is the strength of the Ginkgo that is present in the product you are buying.
For instance, if you are buying the capsules or powder, read the label carefully of what the composition of Ginkgo is present per capsule.
The labels may read Gingko Biloba included in the formulation as a percentage of leaf extract or as certain amount of mg content(amount of leaf powder), here is an example
Product A: Ginkgo Biloba : Contains 290mg of Leaf Extract. The effective extract is standardised to 24% Flavone Glycosides and 6% Terpene Lactones.( These are the amounts of naturally active constituents within this product)
Product B: Ginkgo Biloba : Contains 250mg of Ginkgo Biloba powder and 60mg of Gingko Leaf Extract.
Can you see the difference between the two?
The one product shows you the concentration of Ginkgo available per capsule whilst the other one is just telling you that Ginkgo powder is added with no known concentration of the active ingredients.
It would certainly be a good decision to opt for Product A as this product is more superior in both quality and composition.
And to satisfy your curiosity, this product is two times more expensive than product B. So, this should tell you something.
Ginkgo Biloba can also be ingested as a tea, but the effects from here are very minimal and I definitely recommend that you stick with the other popular preparations.
However if you are interested in making yourself some Ginkgo Tea, below is a short recipe.
To make a Tincture or a Tea-
- Infusion use 2 teaspoonful’s of Ginkgo Leaves powder, in one cup of boiled water,
- Steep for 10-15minutes
- For optimal benefit, drink 2-3cups per day.
How does Ginkgo Biloba actually work?
Preparations that contain Ginkgo Biloba are said to work on the circulatory system in our body.
The purpose of Ginkgo is to
- By preventing clotting(obstruction of blood flow), it allows for smooth blood flow to tissues of the body and the brain.
- Promotes the blood flow to areas of the body that are lacking in receiving adequate blood flow. Such areas include the hands, feet, the brain, ears, eyes, nerves as well as lower legs.
- Prevent dizziness by improving oxygen supply to the brain for energy production,
- Protects nerves and heart tissue from oxidative and free-radical damage.
- By maintaining good nerve function and connectivity it helps with improving mental conditions associated with memory and concentration such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.
- It helps for mood disturbance
- It is said to prevent damage to the kidneys which may be caused by certain drugs e.g. cyclosporine, which is an immunosuppressant.
So the overall purpose of Ginkgo Biloba, is to, “Enhance Memory , Cognitive Function and Energise the Brain.”
What are the side effects of Gingko Biloba preparations?
I always tell my customers that come into the pharmacy that whenever you read the side effects of any health product, read it with an open mind. These are generalised side effects and it is not to say that it WILL definitely happen to you. You may or may not experience them.
It is listed there for the primary purpose of bringing to your awareness, in the event should you experience anything for a long period of time that is uncomfortable or unpleasant.
The common side effects are:
- Mild Gastrointestinal Upsets,
- Headaches,
- Palpitations,
- Constipation and in some cases
- Allergic Reactions.
In certain cases, use of Ginkgo Biloba must be under the supervision of a doctor.
It should not be used in the following instances:
- Pregnancy,
- Before Surgery,
Interactions with Other Medication
These are the common interactions studied with Ginkgo
- Warfarin(Anti-coagulants), Aspirin and Other NSAIDS( Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs)e.g Ibuprofen.- Ginkgo taken with these classes of medication may increase the risk of bleeding
- Anticonvulsants or Anti-Epileptic Medication e.g. Phenytoin- Ginkgo may reduce the effectiveness of these medications in preventing seizures.
- Certain Anti-Depressants e.g. Trazodone – Ginkgo may intensify or aggravate the effects of these drugs and increase the side effects which includes tremors, headaches and manic episodes.
Finally, let us move on to the last section where we answer the main question, can ginkgo biloba help with tinnitus?
So, is Ginkgo Biloba good for Tinnitus?
Unfortunately, this answer is not as straight forward as other therapies or remedies that we have discussed so far.
There was a study done in 2004, that showed that Ginkgo Biloba offered no effect in the improvement of tinnitus symptoms followed by another study conducted a year later with similar results. To my knowledge, I am not aware of any recent study that has been undertaken to show Ginkgo Biloba effectiveness towards Tinnitus.
In retrospect, there are countless people that I have read about that tell a completely different story. They have experienced a marked improvement in their tinnitus after taking Ginkgo Biloba supplementation. They further reported that after having stopped taking this herb, there was a return in the intensity or loudness of their tinnitus.
Let us not forget that the quality of the product plays an important role here. As I mentioned above, look for one that has got good leaf extract concentration content. A product that is tested and approved by the relevant authorities will back the reputation of the product.
What works for you may not work for me? Because Ginkgo works by improving blood flow to the brain, it can help to relieve tinnitus that is as result of insufficient blood flow. If you read my article , ” Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, a connection,” or “What is Tinnitus?” you will find that tinnitus is a symptom of lots of other causes. So Ginkgo may not help in these cases.
Conclusion
So, you have learned more about Ginkgo and the benefits that it offers. I have given my take on Ginkgo Biloba and its relation to helping with tinnitus.
Is Ginkgo Biloba good for Tinnitus? I personally think that there is no harm in trying it out. If you do not have any complications or are not taking any of the medication classes that I mentioned above, I recommend give it a go. It may be the thing that can help you.
Remember we are trying to find ways that can help us. It would be interesting to see what results we can get from this.
I personally would like to join you, but I am trying another medication which I will discuss with you later on. I therefore, want to see the results of this medication on its own without any other medication or vitamin involved.
I have taken the liberty of researching the various Ginkgo Biloba products on the market.From my study, I found some to be of high quality and fitting for you to give a try.
⇒You are more than welcome to check out my Review of this Ginkgo Biloba product here⇐
So, that’s it from me for today. Hope you enjoyed reading this article. Thanks for your time and please don’t forget to comment and like this article, if you found it of benefit.
Take Care
Roopesh
I had no idea that ginkgo biloba was even a thing. This has really informed on something I had no idea about. You even go into to how the plant works and I really appreciate the attention to detail. It’s always helpful to know how something works before getting it.
Hi Nathan
Thank you for stopping by.
I am glad to have enlightened you on Ginkgo Biloba. I try to explain as much as I can about it.
It is my belief, that to inform and educate one, will encourage one to enquire more and take action to try the herb.
Thanks for your compliment.
Take Care
Roopesh
Hi, Roopesh! I really value the information in this article.. In fact, some of the things I think I need right NOW! I have dizziness currently, but, I could make a list.. Hubby sounds like he could use thistoo.. I am happy to find herbal information that is so personal .. It sounds like you know your stuff and not just reading it somewhere like many site who just cut and paste from a book.. Thank you for some clear inciteful tips.. I sincerely mean that.. as a lover of herbs and knowing what they can do for me.. I totally am going to support and recommend this site… Sharing now!
Hi Pj
Thank you very much for the compliments.
I try to make this information as relevant to the topic as possible which in this case is tinnitus. Before I even recommend anything on this site, I do my research and try things out where possible.
As a health care professional , it goes against every fiber in my body to give the wrong advice.
If your husband does decide to give this a go, please let me know what happened.
Thanks for sharing, I humbly appreciate it.
Regards
Roopesh
Hi Roopesh, I really like how you distinguished between what scientific evidence has shown with Ginkgo Biloba and Tinnitus and the actual experiences people have had with it. Just because there hasn’t been any real evidence does not mean Ginko Biloba can’t help. I’ve heard many great things about Ginko Biloba that seem to exceed beyond helping with just one ailment. I’ve heard it can also be great for studying by improving concentration and focus as well. Thanks for the great information on Ginkgo!
Hi Pete
Thank you so much for stopping by.
Yes, sometimes science may not be the answer to everything. Each and everyone of us are unique, and therefore our bodies will react differently to the same thing. In many instances our bodies have proven science to be inaccurate, the healing of cancers and the power of the mind are such cases.
Ginkgo certainly offers great benefits such as enhancing memory and improving focus as you have mentioned. It is more a case of how your body responds to it
The only way that you will know if it works for tinnitus, is to try it.
Thanks for your visit.
Take Care
Roopesh
Hi Roopesh, so happy you chose this niche. I have known people who are challenged with this condition. To be able to offer information and advice from the position of being a health care professional and someone intimately acquainted with the challenges of living with Tinnitus is invaluable
All the best,
BethAnn
Hi Beth
Thanks you so much for your comment.It really means a lot to me.
I feel it inmy heart to help and support people who are suffering from tinnitus.
I guess everything happens for a reason for me to be here and I would not change it for anything else.
Please do swing by again.
Take Care
Roopesh
Hello Roopesh;
I find the information on your website informative. You explain Ginkgo Biloba and what it is very well. I’m pretty sure I know what hearing loss is, but I have never heard of Tinnitus. For those of us that don’t know and have never heard of it, maybe on one of your future posts, you will explain what Tinnitus is. Is it some kind of condition, injury, inflammation, etc.? Overall though, I think you have a good informative website.
Thanks for the opportunity to feedback;
Johnie
Hi Johnie
Thank you for your comment.
Please refer to a earlier post titled, “What is Tinnitus?” whereby I explain what tinnitus actually is. Just briefly it is the brain’s perception of hearing noises. These noises may differ in their sounds and can be anything from ringing, whistling, roaring to even sirens. It is more pronounced when the individual is in a quiet environment as opposed to a busy one.
It is a symptom rather than a condition and can be caused by diseases, loud noise, damage to ear and various other causes.
Hope this answers your question
Let me know if there is anything else that you need to know.
Regards
Roopesh
Thank you Roopesh. I had heard of ginkgo biloba because my mother used to take it, but I didn’t know what it was for. You have certainly enlightened me on that score. I’m glad too that you have made the distinction between the “scientific studies” and the results people report from using it. On occasion, I’ve found that some “scientific studies” are actually funded by companies with vested interests in the results, so I don’t really know how scientific they are; whereas people who have been helped are just saying what they have experienced and generally have no vested interest one way or the other. Results from the “scientific studies” can be written in such a way as to create a bias for or against the product.
Hi Lynn
Thank you for your comment.
Glad that you found this information helpful.
True indeed, it is imperative to do thorough research on the product before even considering its purchase thereof. This is the exact reason why I look at all sources that are available before I write about a particular product.
The more information on studies that I can get, the more comfortable I feel with either recommednding or rejecting an item.
Thanks for stopping by.
Roopesh
Hi there
Interesting article. I must be the only person who has not heard of Ginkgo biloba!
I am looking into tinnitus for a friend as she has been to the doctors countless times with no resolution, so that’s when I came across your site. There is some great stuff in here for her, and this sounds like it might be worth a try
Thanks!
Hey Ruth
Don’t stress. There are so many products out there, it is really hard to keep with what is going on these days. Trust me, even though I work everyday in the pharmacy, there is always something new that I need to learn about.
Please share these articles with your friend or let her have a visit here. Perhaps she may find something to help her with her tinnitus.
Looking forward to meeting her.
Thanks for stopping by.
Roopesh
We have a giant Gingo in our front garden. Can we use the leaves. My wife has tinitus. It comes and goes. She is free of it for a few days and than it start again for a few days. I will study your site to see what other remedies you know of. I am glad I found your site.
Tinitus is hard to get rid of some people tell me. Thank you for putting your information out there for people to see. Effective solutions to this disturbing ailment is really needed.
Hi Adriaan
Apologies for the late reply.
That is an interesting question.
At our pharmacy we do sell the Ginkgo Leaves. It is less potent however, and used more for the tea preparation.
I will be going to the pharmacy on Monday and confirm with the vitamin specialist as he is pretty clued on these things.
We will look at this and I will get back to you then.
This time, it will be much quicker. I promise.
Tinnitus is something in my opinion, that is more treated than curable. Sometimes, like in your wive’s instance, it will go away and then come back. The intensity will vary as well.
I agree with you, that solutions should be available. Unfortunately, what may work for you, may not work for me.
Will be touch with you.
Regards
Roopesh
If you take 81mg ASA a day is it okay to take the Gingko Biloba?
Hello Brenda
There is a potential interaction that can occur between these two. I would get an okay from a doctor before you go ahead with it.
Regards
Roopesh
Hello! Very informative article. I never thought that Ginkgo Biloba is good for Tinnitus. I have been working on some patients with Tinnitus and I would definitely recommend this to them. Are they only available in capsule form? Are there any foods or recipes that has Ginkgo Biloba? Does it have to be taken daily?
Hello Marc
Thanks for stopping by.
I would recommend the Ginkgo to be take on a daily basis. I am not aware of any recipes or foods at the moment, that can you provide you with the necessary amount of Ginkgo as these products.
Hope this helps and all the luck.
Regards
Roopesh