You may have heard about this thing called 'Ginkgo' on TV, in the newspaper, or from a friend, right? Some say it's great for improving memory, others say it helps with eyesight, and others say it helps blood flow better in the body. So, what exactly is Ginkgo? What are the benefits and disadvantages of it for us? Let's talk about it in detail and simply today.
What is this Ginkgo?
Simply put, Ginkgo is an extract from the leaves of a tree. It is usually taken in pill or capsule form. It is often used to help with memory problems, such as memory loss, conditions like dementia, some vision problems, poor circulation , and ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus).
But, the most important thing is, this Ginkgo is just a supplement . That is, it is not a licensed medicine used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is like something to take in addition to food.
Are there any things I need to tell the doctor before using this?
Yes, there definitely is! If you are considering using Ginkgo, or are already using it, it is extremely important to tell your doctor or midwife about these things. Because not everything works for everyone.
If you have any of these situations, definitely say so:
- Do you have Alzheimer 's disease or another memory-related condition (Dementia)?
- Do you have bleeding problems, meaning your blood doesn't clot easily, or does it stop bleeding quickly?
- Do you have diabetes ?
- High blood pressure , does that mean the pressure is high?
- Have you ever had a condition like a seizure disorder before?
- Are you taking any blood-thinning or anticoagulant medications (such as Warfarin or Aspirin)?
- Do you have an allergic reaction to Ginkgo, other herbs, plants, other medicines, foods, artificial dyes, or preservatives?
- Are you pregnant? Or are you hoping to get pregnant?
- A mother breastfeeding her baby?
If you have something like this, it's best not to use Ginkgo without medical advice. Because if you do, you may end up with unnecessary problems.
How do you use this properly?
This usually comes in the form of a pill or capsule that you take by mouth. You should take it with a glass of water.
- Read and follow the instructions on the package carefully. Or ask your doctor or the pharmacist at the pharmacy where you buy the medicine.
- For best results, it is best to take this with food.
- Don't drink more than the recommended amount. Don't think "more is better."
- If you are giving this to children, you should definitely seek medical advice. They may need special care.
- If you think you have taken too much of this, that is, if you suspect an overdose, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, or call a poison control center, without delay.
- > Also remember: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others. What works well for you may not work well for someone else, they may have other illnesses, or they may be taking other medications.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Imagine that you have forgotten to take a dose of medicine. If this happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to the time of your next dose when you remember (for example, within two to three hours), skip the missed dose and take the new dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once, thinking, "Oh, I missed that dose, so I'll take this one too." Doing so may make you feel like you have taken too much.
Can this interact with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, this is very, very important. Ginkgo can interact with some medications. If this happens, the way other medications work may change, or the side effects may increase.
If you are taking any of the following medications, you should definitely tell your doctor before taking Ginkgo:
- Aspirin and other aspirin-like medications.
- Medicines for high blood pressure, or medicines for heart disease, such as `(Diltiazem)`, `(Nifedipine)`, `(Verapamil)`.
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting or thin the blood, for example, Enoxaparin, Heparin, and Warfarin.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc., which you usually take for headaches).
- A medicine called `(Trazodone)` (this is given for some mental conditions, such as insomnia).
This list is only a small sample of the possible interactions. Therefore, be sure to give your doctor a complete list of all medications (prescribed or over-the-counter), herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some of these things can interact with ginkgo.
Other things to consider when using Ginkgo
- If you start using Ginkgo and your symptoms do not improve, or seem to be getting worse, see your doctor again soon and tell him/her about it.
- If you are scheduled to have any medical procedure (such as an endoscopy) or dental procedure, be sure to tell your medical team ( doctor , surgeon, dentist) that you are taking ginkgo. They may tell you to stop taking ginkgo a few days before the procedure. This is because ginkgo may slightly increase the risk of bleeding.
- Keep this in mind: Herbal or dietary supplements are not as tightly regulated as over-the-counter medications. This means that they are not always subject to strict standards for quality control, purity, and strength. As a result, the amount and quality of ingredients in them can vary from one brand to another. Also, there is not always enough scientific evidence to prove how safe or effective they are for a specific condition. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers these tips to help consumers protect themselves (and they are important to us too):
- "- Always read the product label carefully and follow the instructions exactly. "
- "- Just because something is labeled 'natural' doesn't mean it's 100% safe for humans to consume. Even some natural things can be harmful to us."
- "- Look for products that have `(USP)` after the ingredient name. `(USP)` stands for `(US Pharmacopoeia)`. It means that the manufacturer has followed the standards of the American Pharmacopoeia. That can give you some confidence."
- "- Products manufactured/sold by a well-known, reputable food or pharmaceutical company in the country are likely to be manufactured under strict quality control. You can write to that company to find out more about how the product was manufactured and what kind of quality control is in place."
What kind of side effects can occur?
Like anything, Ginkgo can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious and should be reported to a doctor immediately. Others are not so serious, but if they are bothersome or persistent, it is a good idea to tell your doctor .
If you experience these symptoms, you should tell your doctor immediately:
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, hives, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, stop taking the medicine and see a doctor immediately.
- Heart palpitations: A feeling that the heart is suddenly beating faster, pounding loudly in the chest, or that the rhythm of the heart is changing and beating irregularly.
These side effects are usually not a big deal, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea, which means feeling like you're going to vomit.
- An upset stomach, a feeling like your stomach is full.
This list is not all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual or new after taking Ginkgo, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you keep this medicine safe?
- Keep them out of reach of children and out of their reach. This is very important. Little ones may see these as toys.
- Store at room temperature, or as directed on the package label. Do not store in very hot places or in direct sunlight.
- Protect from moisture. It is not good to keep it in places with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
- Do not use or discard any medicine that has passed its ``expiration date''. There is an expiration date on the label, so throw it away as soon as that date has passed.
Finally, things to remember
Okay, so we've talked a lot about Ginkgo, haven't we? I think you have a good understanding of it now.
Simply put, while Ginkgo is a herb that is known to help with certain conditions, it is not a magic cure-all or a solution to every problem.
The most important thing is, before you start using Ginkgo, or if you are already using it, be sure to talk to your doctor. Tell him or her about your health, other medications you are taking, and any allergies you have. Then he or she can give you specific advice on whether Ginkgo is right for you, how to use it properly, and what things to watch out for.
Even with supplements, remember that they can have side effects and interactions with other medications. Always read the product label and choose a good quality product from a reputable source. Don't assume that everything is good and safe just because it says 'natural'.
It's important to be informed when making decisions about your health. If you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to ask a doctor! Your health is very important to you.
` Ginkgo, memory, supplements, herbs, side effects, drug interactions
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