You have probably heard about this super herb that helps with memory and focus. Research has shown that gingko biloba is a powerful herb for boosting memory and focus, which is just one of the many potential benefits Gingko has to offer.

Ginkgo has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is traditionally used to treat respiratory issues such as asthma, wheezing, or coughing, incontinence, and digestive problems. It helps with depression and dementia, as well as inner ear problems such as tinnitus or vertigo.

Ginkgo biloba is also used extensively in Europe to treat dementia in Europe. And the American Geriatric Society has also issue a statement that “Ginkgo biloba may help people suffering from Alzheimer’s.”

Most children and adults derive moderate benefits from the vitamin-mineral approach. Those with more significant ADHD may need stronger stuff — namely, herbs.”

These herbs, like ginseng and ginkgo biloba are like brain boosters o ractivators. They act like stimulants, but without the side effects.

1. Ginkgo biloba protects the brain against degeneration as a powerful antioxidant. The active compounds of ginkgo biloba have been shown to be a potent free radical scavenging agent and possess amazing antioxidant properties that protects the brain tissues from free radical damages.

2. Ginkgo biloba influences a number of brain chemicals. Ginkgo biloba is thought to boost the cholinergic processes in various cortical brain regions. Increases in cholinergic transmission are known to enhance working memory performance, while reductions in cholinergic transmission compromise performance on working memory tasks. 

3. Ginkgo biloba enhances the nervous system by increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, which is frequently what the ADHD brain tends to lack. Ginkgo leaves contain substances that thin blood and improve muscle tone in the walls of blood vessels to enhance blood flow, especially to the brain.

4. Ginkgo helps to improve focus in the ADHD brain by inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake.

In a 2015 study, children and adolescents with ADHD received methylphenidate (20-30 mg/day) plus either ginkgo biloba (80-120 mg/day) or placebo for 6 weeks.

A 2000 double blind, placebo controlled study looked at the effects of standardized extract of ginkgo biloba and standardized extract of Panax ginseng on various aspects of cognitive function in 256 healthy middle-aged volunteers.

A, 14 week, parallel group, repeated assessment, multi-centre trial of two dosing regimens, 160 mg b.i.d. and 320 mg o.d. was conducted.

On various study days (weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 14) the volunteers performed a selection of tests of attention and memory before their morning dosing. Then they performed the same tasks again at 1, 3 and 6 hours after their morning dose. The volunteers also completed questionnaires about mood states, quality of life and sleep quality.

The ginkgo/ginseng combination was found significantly to improve memory quality. This effect represented an average improvement of 7.5% and reflected improvements to a number of different aspects of memory, including working and long-term memory. This enhancement to memory was seen throughout the 12-week dosing period and continued on after a 2-week washout.

Extracts of Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glysides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides). Ginkgo leaf extract may be taken at 80-160ml twice a day.

Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba is best used together with ginseng to get better results in mental clarity. There is evidence that ginkgo leaf extract used in combination with American ginseng showed improvement in ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children age 3 to 17-year-old.

The herb is generally well-tolerated, but due to multiple case reports of bleeding, it should be used cautiously in patients on anticoagulant therapy and those with known blood clotting disorders, or prior to surgical or dental procedures.

Ginkgo biloba may interact with certain medications as well. Please consult your physician before starting ginkgo biloba extract supplement if you are taking any prescription medication for diabetes, blood pressure, seizure, etc.

Asian ginseng may overstimulate younger children. If this happens to your child, switch to American ginseng.

Here is a powerful ginseng + ginkgo biloba supplement on the market right now. It contains similar doses of ginseng and ginkgo biloba used in the clinical studies described above.

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below. 

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

If you’re just starting out on this natural ADHD treatment journey and still in the research phase, check out my new book Eat to Focus. Inside this book, you’ll learn why your ADHD child is always hungry, why he or she seems addicted to milk and bread, the underlying causes of ADHD, and the most effective ADHD treatment that addresses all the causes to reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and anxiety while improving focus and calmness in your ADHD child. 

Don’t forget to download your free gift 15 Quick & Simple ADHD-Friendly Breakfast Ideas before you leave.

Shakibaei F, Radmanesh M, Salari E, Mahaki B. Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. A randomized, placebo-controlled, trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21(2):61-67. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.04.001

Lyon MR, Cline JC, Totosy de Zepetnek J, Shan JJ, Pang P, Benishin C. Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2001;26(3):221-228.

Wesnes KA, Ward T, McGinty A, Petrini O. The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination in healthy middle-aged volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000;152(4):353-361. doi:10.1007/s002130000533

Silberstein RB, Pipingas A, Song J, Camfield DA, Nathan PJ, Stough C. Examining brain-cognition effects of ginkgo biloba extract: brain activation in the left temporal and left prefrontal cortex in an object working memory task. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:164139. doi:10.1155/2011/164139