In China, medicinal products for various purposes are traditionally made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. The ingredients of the medicinal plant are said to, among other things, improve blood circulation and memory, stimulate metabolism and also improve the skin. What is true about these claims?
What effect does ginkgo have on the skin?
Ginkgo biloba can have positive effects on the skin by improving blood circulation, counteracting skin aging and neutralizing free radicals. However, many over-the-counter ginkgo skin products are low-dose and may be less effective.
How does ginkgo affect the skin?
Ginkgo affects many parts of the body, including skin and hair. According to the full-bodied promises of some manufacturers, ginkgo preparations are intended to counteract skin aging, eliminate circulatory problems (such as those caused by varicose veins), eliminate water retention (edema) and generally make the skin shine more beautifully. Finally, these preparations contain antioxidants that catch harmful free radicals and render them harmless.
The extent to which ginkgo preparations can keep these promises depends on their dosage form (internal or external) and their dosage. Over-the-counter remedies are often only in low doses and therefore often do not work as advertised. This is especially true for cosmetics, which in many cases only contain negligible amounts of Ginkgo biloba.
In what form can you take Ginkgo Biloba?
Preparations based on Ginkgo biloba intended for the skin are available in many different dosage forms, which can be used either internally (e.g. dietary supplements, tea) or externally (e.g. extract, tincture, powder, cream, Ointment) can be used.
All of these remedies are usually made from the leathery leaves of the ginkgo, as these have the most ingredients. By the way, the leaves are not edible because of their high ginkgolic acid content!
When should you not take ginkgo?
Like so many things, ginkgo not only has a positive effect on the skin, but can even damage it - like other parts of the body. Since ginkgo, for example, has a blood-thinning effect, the following people should not use such preparations without consulting their doctor:
- People with a tendency to bleed
- People taking blood thinners (e.g. after a heart attack or stroke)
- People who are particularly vulnerable to a stroke or have an aneurysm
- Pregnant and nursing mothers
Studies have found that ginkgo can to a certain extent prevent Alzheimer's and other dementias - and also that over-the-counter preparations in particular can trigger strokes.
What side effects does ginkgo have?
Depending on how much ginkgolic acid is contained in the preparations, ginkgo can cause unpleasant side effects. This includes something like
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Circulatory problems
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The products can also cause allergy-like symptoms such as headaches. If you notice such effects after using ginkgo products, you should definitely stop using the preparation in question and also consult your doctor. In any case, ginkgo preparations should not be used without medical advice in order to avoid possible interactions with other medications.
Tip
Can you give ginkgo to pets?
By the way, ginkgo not only helps people, but also our pets - as long as treatment with appropriate remedies has been discussed with the veterinarian. Ginkgo, for example, cannot stop dementia in dogs, but it can slow it down. However, be sure to refrain from drying ginkgo leaves yourself and using them to make tea for yourself or your pet!
