How to Take Ginkgo With Vitamins

The ginkgo tree is a member of the ginkgoaceae family, a family that dates back more than 270 million years. The leaves and the extracts derived from the ginkgo tree have been touted as having many beneficial effects, such as thinning the blood, which allows more oxygen to reach the brain, increasing mental functions in healthy individuals, as well as those suffering from degenerative mental diseases. The extract is also said to reduce the effects of depression and other mental disorders.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor
• Ginkgo pills or liquid

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult your physician before taking ginkgo, or any other vitamin supplement. To avoid any medical complications, it's important to always inform your physician about every vitamin supplement you are taking, as well as any medication -- prescription or over-the-counter.

• 2

  Evaluate the benefits of ginkgo. Ginkgo acts as an antioxidant, and a blood thinner. If you are already taking supplements that provide the benefits of ginkgo, you may not need to add ginkgo to your daily vitamin routine.

• 3

  Read the instructions that come with the ginkgo supplement. Ginkgo is most effective when taken twice a day, with the daily dose split evenly in half. No more than 80 to 120 mg should be ingested per day, unless otherwise instructed by a qualified physician.

• 4

  Take the first dose of ginkgo with your regular vitamins. The second dose of ginkgo should be taken 12 hours after the first. Stick to your vitamin schedule. If you miss a scheduled vitamin dose, wait until the next scheduled dose to take the ginkgo supplement. Do not double the dose, simply continue as if you had not missed the previous dose.

• 5

  Stop taking ginkgo supplements if you experience any negative side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, or headaches. These symptoms are rare, but can indicate an intolerance to the supplement.