Are you feeling a little bit ‘off’ and struggling to think clearly at the moment? You might just need a little boost in the form of two powerful herbs: ginkgo biloba and ginseng.
We’ve put together a little guide to educate you on the cognitive-enhancing effects of each individual herb, how they work together, and how you can take them yourself each day.
Let’s get started!
Cognitive enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a well-known herb that’s made from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree. Recently, many studies have looked into its potential for cognitive benefits due to the fact it is thought to improve blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain. Below are some of the main effects you may experience after ingesting the herb:
Improved memory
Do you often enter a room and forget why you’re there? Well, taking ginkgo biloba on a regular basis might help you out. This is because the herb has a modest effect on memory, especially when you’re a bit older. Studies have been conducted and suggest that ginkgo biloba improves memory recall and cognitive processing speed.
Enhanced blood flow
As we mentioned already, ginkgo biloba has been connected with improving blood circulation to the brain. Not only is this beneficial for your overall health, but it can also help improve brain function by providing more oxygen and nutrients to your brain cells.
Antioxidant properties
When you’re taking natural remedies and supplements, it’s always good to look for those that come with antioxidant properties. Luckily, ginkgo biloba is one of those, as it contains a wide range of antioxidant compounds that have been proven to protect the brain against oxidative stress and damage, potentially preserving cognitive function.
Cognitive enhancing effects of ginseng
Ginseng is another popular herb used in many natural remedies and supplements because various studies have shown it has a potential for cognitive enhancement. It is derived from the roots of plants in the genus Panax and can offer you the following effects when you take it on a regular basis:
Improved cognitive function
If you feel as though you need a bit of a brain boost, ginseng is most likely the herb you’ve been looking for. That’s because some studies have found a positive correlation between taking the herb on a daily basis and enhancing various elements of cognitive function, including memory, attention, and mental clarity.
Reduced stress levels
Everyone looks for ways they can reduce their stress levels, and ginseng may be able to help. This is because it is considered an adaptogen, a substance known to help the body adapt to outside stressors. When you reduce your overall stress levels, it helps you think clearly and improve cognitive function.
Antioxidant properties
Like ginkgo biloba, ginseng also contains a strong combination of antioxidants. They all work in the same way, helping protect your brain cells from oxidative damage. This, in turn, preserves cognitive function and ensures you can continue thinking to your full potential.
How these herbs work together
Since ginkgo biloba and ginseng have similar effects on cognition, it’s no surprise that various studies have been conducted to see how well they work together.
A literature review of various ginkgo biloba and ginseng combination treatments looked at the various physiological and psychological outcomes of humans taking the two herbs together. They looked at a wide range of studies to get a clear idea of how they work. It came to the conclusion that a ginseng and ginkgo biloba combination treatment can improve various functions, with one of the main ones being cognitive function.
Another study looked at the memory-enhancing effects of the two herbs in healthy middle-aged volunteers. They provided them each with a 60 mg capsule of ginkgo biloba and 100 mg of ginseng. There were various groups, including double-blind, placebo, 14-week, parallel-group, repeated assessment, and multi-center. The group that focused on taking the ginkgo/ginseng combination regularly significantly improved an Index of Memory Quality, representing an average improvement of 7.5%.
More researchers knew that there was evidence supporting ginseng and ginkgo biloba improving cognitive performance, but they wanted to know about the mechanisms associated with the improvement. They, therefore, conducted a study testing whether cardiovascular reactivity to a task is associated with cognitive improvement. The study concluded that cardiovascular reactivity may be a mechanism by which ginkgo, but not ginseng, is associated with cognitive enhancement in females.
How to combine these herbs
If you want to experience the cognitive-enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba and ginseng but you’re unsure how to introduce them both into your diet, we have you covered. Below are two simple ways you can combine the two:
Herbal tea
Ingredients
- Ginkgo biloba leaves or extract
- Ginseng root or ginseng tea
- Honey or lemon (optional for taste)
Instructions
- Brew a cup of ginseng tea according to the instructions on the package.
- Add ginkgo biloba leaves or extract to the ginseng tea. If using leaves, steep them together for a few minutes.
- Optionally, add honey or lemon to improve the taste.
- Drink this herbal combination tea.
Herbal supplement
Ingredients
- Ginkgo biloba extract or capsules
- Ginseng extract or capsules
Instructions
- Purchase high-quality Ginkgo biloba and ginseng extracts or capsules from a reputable source.
- Follow the recommended dosage on each supplement label. Be cautious not to exceed the recommended doses without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Take the Ginkgo biloba and ginseng supplements together with water or a meal, as indicated on the packaging or as advised by a healthcare provider.
Side effects and precautions
Both ginkgo biloba and ginseng are generally safe to take, however there are some side effects and precautions you should keep in mind:
Ginkgo biloba
- Can be used as a blood thinner, so it might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Some people experience digestive discomfort.
- Allergic reactions are rare but still possible.
- May interact with some medications like antidepressants and anticoagulants.
Ginseng
- May cause overstimulation, leading to insomnia or restlessness.
- Some people experience digestive discomfort.
- Can affect blood sugar levels, affecting those with diabetes.
- Long-term use might affect hormone levels.
- May interact with some medications like antidepressants and diabetes medications.
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