Herb: Ginkgo Biloba extract

So there's been a couple threads over this before, but I wanted one with a poll. Anyway, there's no information on Ginkgo in the Pharmacy :wink:.

Anyway, here's a little background info on it first, from some website:

Quote:

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In the last 30 years, more that 300 studies have given clinical evidence that ginkgo prevents and benefits many problems throughout the entire body. Ginkgo is gaining recognition as a brain tonic that enhances memory because of its positive effects on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum. It is also used as a treatment for vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and a variety of neurological disorders and circulation problems. Ginkgo may help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental fatigue and lack of energy. *

Ginkgo works by increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the body's network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the organ systems. It increases metabolism efficiency, regulates neurotransmitters, and boosts oxygen levels in the brain which uses 20% of the body's oxygen. *

Benefits of enhanced circulation in the brain include improved short and long term memory, increased reaction time and improved mental clarity. Ginkgo is often used to treat elderly persons with Alzheimer's and other symptoms of cerebral insufficiency. Cerebral insufficiency is a general term for a collection of symptoms that include difficulties of concentration and memory, absentmindedness, confusion, lack of energy, depressive mood, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus, and headache. *

Ginkgo constituents are beneficial for a variety of imbalances and deterioration in the brain and body. Standardized ginkgo extract inhibits platelet activity factor (PAF), which is a common allergen in the body. Physical stress, and poor quality food can overstimulate PAF production; in other words, blood clotting. Excessive PAF can help cause cardiovascular disease, brain damage, hearing disorders and other immune and inflammatory diseases. *

Ginkgo has been used to relieve tension and anxiety and improve mental alertness, elevate mood and restore energy.[/b]

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Some people also say that it can be beneficial for dreaming purposes.

I started taking Ginkgo Biloba extract daily about a week ago- 60mg tablets three times daily, for a total daily intake of 180mg. Unfortunately, I've also been on a bit of a marijuana binge this past week (it happens...), so I definitely have been in no condition to be noting improvements in mental capacity :lol:. I have not tried taking it all at once before bed. Anyway, I was curious who else had tried taking it, and what their experiences with it were.
--Did it improve your dream recall or vividness, or improve LD frequency?
--Did you notice any effects (beneficial or negative) during the waking hours?

Please discuss. Tell us everything you know! :D

I've taken 120mg doses for a week, then 180mg doses for a week and 200mg doses for a week for the enjoyment of the "happy" feeling you might associate with it (most likley placebo)

Anyway, i did notice SLIGHT improvements, its not like a miracle drug. I used 2 different types of extracts, The leaf one i think is more potent (which i think gave me poop problems for 2days before i stopped).

My memroy did improve, but yet again, you have to really pay attention to the differnce. It doesn't stick out like roadkill on the street, more like "where's waldo".

I now take 1 multiv Centrum in conjuction with 120mg GB. The results have been good. I do have more energy, i think A LOT clearer, and i come quicker with solutions to problems.

It also has to do with some will power. You can't just sit there and wait for it to kick in like xtasy.

In the end i think it is worth taking. It effects everyone different. Wouldn't hurt to try it though.

I'd say it's worth a try. When you take a suppliment, you are always taking a chance that it may not do a damn thing. Sometimes you win and sometimes you loose, so if you do it, don't be surprized if nothing happens. That's just the way things happen sometimes. But, I'd say this is worth a try.

you can get gingko at your local GNC store :D

or you could make gingko tea if you have a gingko tree in your front yard and have that before bed. i'm lazy and dont feel like explaining how to make the tea, so just reseach that, amoung other things.

I have a few friends who take ginko biloba to help with their memory. It doesn't seem to give them lucids, nor increase dream vividness or recall.

my 2 cents of experience.

That's a good supplement if taken regularly.

However if I take it for a week or two and then stop, it makes me feel dumb - it's hard to concentrate. For example once I tried punching in a 3 digit number in the calculator and got it wrong 5 times!

make sure you get a big bottle :P