What Is Ginkgo Biloba & How Can It Protect Your Hearing?

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient herbal remedy used in traditional Chinese medicine. Also known as maidenhair, it is extracted from the Ginkgo biloba tree. Although Chinese medical practitioners use both the seeds and leaves of the plant, most medical research has focused on the latter. Ginkgo is the seventh most popular natural remedy in North America and has been the subject of hundreds of studies.

How can it benefit your hearing?

Ginkgo biloba promotes healthy blood flow to the ears, which is important for the proper functioning of the cochlea. If the cochlear cells don’t receive a steady supply of oxygen, they can become damaged, resulting in hearing loss. Because it is an antioxidant, Ginkgo biloba also shields your cochlea from free radical damage.

Ginkgo biloba can ease tinnitus symptoms. European doctors sometimes prescribe it as a treatment for tinnitus. According to a review published in the International Tinnitus Journal, it “can be considered as a promising option.”

In an analysis of 19 clinical trials, Ginkgo biloba proved to be much more effective than a placebo and other tinnitus drugs over a one to three-month treatment period. The results showed that patients enjoyed better results if they started treatment soon after the onset of their symptoms.

Additional benefits of Ginkgo biloba

1. It may reduce anxiety

Ginkgo biloba has been shown to help people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD and other anxiety disorders often co-occur with tinnitus, so if you have both conditions, Ginkgo could make a significant difference to your overall quality of life.

In one study, 82 participants were assigned to one of three groups: one group received high-dose Ginkgo biloba supplements daily for four weeks, one group received a low-dose supplement for the same length of time, and the third group received a placebo. Both the high and low-dose supplements had a significant and positive effect on anxiety symptoms, and the participants experienced few side-effects.

2. It may reduce depression

When given alongside standard medication, Ginkgo biloba reduces symptoms of depression in stroke survivors when given 120 mg per day for eight weeks.

3. It can treat migraines

If you have headaches or migraines that are triggered by stress, Ginkgo’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could help. Some headaches are caused by constricted blood vessels, so Ginkgo could relieve symptoms by dilating the vessels.

How to use Ginkgo biloba extract

The recommended dose is 60-240 mg per day. It’s available as tablets, capsules, tea, and liquid extracts. Do not eat raw Ginkgo biloba leaves or seeds, because they are toxic. Some people report side-effects, including stomach pain, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness.

Talk to your doctor before starting Ginkgo supplements. Some people, including those who take particular medications or have allergies to plants that contain alkylphenols, should avoid it. It can interact with some antidepressants, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatory medication.