Ginko: A Natural Blood Thinner

What exactly is ginkgo, and what does it do?

For thousands of years, ginkgo extract, from the seeds and leaves of Ginkgo biloba, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has since made its way west and has become one of the most commonly used herbal medicines.

Although the benefits of ginkgo are not clearly understood, it is believed that it may improve blood flow to the brain by thinning the blood. It is also thought that ginkgo reduces inflammation and may act as an antioxidant to fight cell damage.

"Because of this, ginkgo has been used in the treatment of a variety of conditions including blood flow disorders like thrombosis and Raynaud's phenomenon, and in the treatment of problems associated with memory and concentration, likely caused by decreased blood flow to the brain," says Nicole Nisly, MD, UI Hospitals and Clinics Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic. Ginkgo also has been useful in treating asthma and allergies causing inflammation in the respiratory system.

If you are interested in taking ginkgo, be sure to check with your doctor. "Because of its ability to thin the blood, people who are already taking medications to thin the blood, such as aspirin or warfarin, should not take ginkgo without recommendation from their physician," Nisly says.

Ginkgo is available in health food and grocery stores and is sold in many different forms and combinations. Remember, ginkgo is not a regulated drug, so it does not have to meet the strict guidelines for potency and purity that prescription and over-the-counter medications must meet.