What is ginkgo biloba?
It's an extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, known as Ginkgo Biloba.
Its main role is blood circulation. It's known to help blood flow into even the smallest blood vessels and to reduce inflammation and oxidation (the body's version of rusting). In some countries, doctors commonly prescribe it as a circulation medicine.
Ginkgo benefits: where it may help
- Ringing in the ears and dizziness: It supports blood flow around the ears. It's especially popular for dizziness that comes from the inner ear.
- Memory: It may help keep the brain active by increasing blood flow to it. Some studies disagree, but overall it's fairly well accepted.
- Cold hands and feet: People with poor circulation often look for it.
- Swelling: It's used as a supportive option for swelling by helping circulation, but it has no dramatic effect on leg vein or lymph circulation.
Who it's for / who should avoid it
Good for you if
- □ You hear ringing in your ears or feel dizzy for no clear reason
- □ You've become more forgetful since your 50s, and memory problems run in your family
- □ Your hands and feet are always cold
- □ You're not already taking a separate circulation medicine
Avoid it if
- You take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs: Taking it with drugs like warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel can raise your risk of bleeding.
- You have surgery or a procedure coming up: Your blood may not clot as well, so tell your doctor ahead of time.
- You have liver problems: Though rare, there have been cases of hepatitis.
Ginkgo side effects and cautions
- It thins the blood. Stacking several circulation-boosting ingredients, like omega-3s, can make you bruise easily or raise your risk of bleeding.
- It can lower blood pressure and make you dizzy. Be careful if your blood pressure is already low.
- Liver enzymes: It's not certain, but cases of hepatitis have been reported.
- Some psychiatric medications: It may make them stronger. If you take any medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Medications and conditions to watch
- Caution Warfarin (blood thinner) — Can throw off your clotting numbers (INR) and raise bleeding risk — avoid
- Caution Antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.) — Higher bleeding risk — avoid or talk to your doctor
- Check Some psychiatric medications — May make them stronger — talk to your doctor
- Note Omega-3 — Stacking circulation ingredients can raise bleeding risk — don't take several together
Frequently asked questions
Does ginkgo help with tinnitus?
It's widely used because it supports blood flow around the ears and may help with ringing in the ears and dizziness. If your symptoms are severe, see a doctor first.
Can I take ginkgo with aspirin?
We don't recommend it. Both thin the blood, which can raise your bleeding risk. If you really want to take it, talk to your doctor first.
Is ginkgo good for memory?
Most evidence leans toward it helping by increasing blood flow to the brain. Some studies disagree, so think of it as a supportive option rather than expecting big results.
Can I take ginkgo with omega-3?
Stacking ingredients that support circulation can raise your risk of bruising or bleeding. If you combine several, talk to a pharmacist, and avoid it if you take blood thinners.
What are the side effects of ginkgo?
It can lower blood pressure and make you dizzy, and because it thins the blood, you may bruise more easily. Rare cases of hepatitis have also been reported.
Related concerns
Last updated 2026-10-12