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DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ginkgo biloba has traditionally been used for centuries in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions
including ailments of the brain such as brain fog, cognitive decline, memory loss, and depression.
The extract of ginkgo biloba leaves is highly valued in dietary supplements to treat and prevent brain fogs and
diverse other conditions especially those that are related to the brain, heart, and lungs in Eastern medicines
including traditional Chinese medicine.
In this article, we’ll find out how ginkgo biloba can help with brain fog according to scientific reviews. But, let’s
start with the basics of brain fog first.
Table of contents
Brain fog hasn’t been described as a medical condition, instead, as a feeling of lack of sharpness while
performing cognitive tasks. This condition is majorly characterized by forgetfulness, confusion, lack of mental
clarity, and lack of concentration. It’s a temporary condition that comes back pretty soon in the normal
condition, but sometimes can be frustrating. Brain fog is also linked with other medical conditions such as
type 2 diabetes, obesity, or hormonal imbalances.
Signs and symptoms of brain fog may vary from person to person and can be categorized into three types –
physical, emotional, and behavioral.
Anxiety
Depression
Anger
Trouble concentration
Forgetfulness
Mood swings
Irritation
Social isolation
Avoiding workplace performance and excessive absences
Low motivation
Lack of ideas
Impaired cognitive function
Causes of brain fog
Brain fog can be linked with an unhealthy lifestyle that may include lack of sleep, overworking, and spending
too much time in front of electromagnetic radiations such as computers, tablets, or mobile. A brain fog
condition can also be linked with hormonal imbalances and often exacerbated by excessive levels of stress.
On the cellular level, inflammation or chemical changes that determine mood and concentration in the brain
may cause a brain fog syndrome. Besides, some health conditions such as obesity, abnormal periods, and
type 2 diabetes may also lead to a brain fog condition.
Common factors that contribute to developing a brain fog may include, but are not limited to:
Inadequate sleep
Lack of physical performance
Electromagnetic radiations from mobile phones, computers, or tablets
Excessive stress levels that may affect blood flow to the brain
Unhealthy diets with a lack of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants
Excess exposure to environmental toxins such as pollutants, insecticides, and chemical substances
Ginkgo biloba, also known as gingko or maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest living botanical species in the
world. It has historically been used in many different traditional and folk medicines across cultures to treat a
variety of health conditions including brain fogs, dementia, asthma, allergies, and peripheral artery disease
among others.
Ginkgo biloba extract is derived from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree, which contains various beneficial
components. Ginkgo biloba extract is recognized by international organizations and available as a dietary
supplement for its effective therapeutic actions.
Ginkgo biloba is considered a potential natural solution to improve brain fog conditions for its ability to
increase blood flow to the brain and promote circulation in and around the brain.
Studies have found that supplementing with ginkgo biloba extract can be effective in slowing down cognitive
decline among people with neuropsychiatric symptoms along with dementia and cognitive impairment.
Another research has suggested ginkgo biloba might help increase cognitive function in people who have
Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Therefore, ginkgo biloba has been described to have potential benefits in the treatment and prevention of
brain fog and other cognitive-related conditions such as cognitive impairment and cognitive decline.
The human body doesn’t require too much ginkgo biloba to maintain a healthy brain function. The
recommended daily allowance (RDA) for supplementary ginkgo biloba extract is 120 mg to 240 mg per day.
This dose can be taken into two to three divided doses throughout the day. But higher doses might be
recommended depending on the conditions under any doctor’s supervision.
Ginkgo biloba supplement is often recommended with meals and an extra glass of water so that the body
can absorb it properly. It takes some time to produce any positive result, hence, it’s recommended to continue
ginkgo biloba for at least eight weeks to see any noticeable changes especially when the aim is improving
brain fog or impaired memory.
Though ginkgo is possibly safe in recommended doses, it may cause some mild adverse effects in some
people. They may include stomach upset, allergic skin reactions, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea or
vomiting, restlessness, constipation, bleeding, and seizure. But these side effects aren’t common.
Besides, ginkgo biloba extract may interact with other medications such as medications for bleeding
disorders, diabetes, and seizure disorder. Therefore, avoid ginkgo biloba prior to any surgery since it may
cause bleeding.
Consult with your doctor prior to using ginkgo biloba if you’re pregnant, or breastfeeding, or hypersensitive, or
taking any medication for underlying health conditions.
Final words
Ginkgo biloba has been used in traditional medicines for centuries and has been described to have potential
benefits to improve brain fog and impaired memory along with diverse health conditions.
Ginkgo is safe within recommended doses and may cause minor side effects such as headache, stomach
upset, and diarrhea in some people. It may also interfere with the efficacy of some medications such as blood
thinners and anti-epileptic drugs.
However, it’s highly recommended to consult with a natural medicine professional before using a ginkgo
biloba supplement.
Disclaimer – This article is purely intended to increase awareness of dietary supplements, hence, cannot be
used as a medical guideline.
Important resources:
1. https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/content/brain-fog-syndrome
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166615/
3. https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/love-ginkgo-herb-supports-brain-health-focus
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263105#benefits
5. https://www.verywellmind.com/best-herbs-and-spices-for-brain-health-4047818