How do I Determine the Appropriate Ginkgo Dosage?

There are various ways to determine the right ginkgo dosage for your needs, some safer than others. You can start by reading the supplement manufacturer’s recommended daily dosage, or discussing your options with a doctor or pharmacist. Another way to determine the appropriate dosage for you is to slowly increase your daily dosage and look for side effects. This should be done under the supervision of your doctor.

The first method of determining the appropriate ginkgo dosage is to check any supplements for the recommended daily allowance. Start with this as your guidepost and begin taking the amount stated. If this does not seem to give you the results you are looking for, you can discuss the option of upping the dosage slowly over time. In general, side effects of ginkgo biloba are rare, but complications can occur if you take too much.

Ginkgo has been known to affect the platelets in the blood and can counteract the effects of certain other medications. If you intend to slowly increase your ginkgo dosage, your platelets should be closely monitored by a doctor to ensure bleeding does not occur. This is not generally recommended, however, since the benefits of taking additional supplements usually do not outweigh the risks.

As with most herbal remedies, there is not an exact ginkgo dosage that is universally agreed upon. The general range is between 120 and 240 milligrams per day. This amount is typically divided into two or more doses. Smaller doses more often may be a safer route if you intend to increase your daily consumption. Speak with your doctor or practitioner before increasing your dosage.

The amount you can safely take may also depend on the other medications you are currently taking. If you are taking blood thinners or aspirin, you may be advised to avoid ginkgo or to take the smallest possible effective dosage. Those who are not taking any medications and who do not have blood problems may be safer on higher levels, but this will have to be monitored and determined by a health care provider.

Most people do not report any noticeable side effects when taking ginkgo supplements. When they do occur, they may include stomach upset like nausea and diarrhea, dizziness, headache, or weakness. Any side effects should be reported to your doctor, and your dosage may need to be altered. Ginkgo is not medically approved to cure or treat any illness, so if you are using it to alleviate any symptoms which may indicate an underlying condition, it is advised that you see a doctor to rule out potentially serious causes for your symptoms. Medications may be needed instead of an herbal supplement.