Botanical Name: Gingko biloba
As a whole, Gingko biloba as a herbal tea or extract acts as an antioxidant, antidepressant and blood-thinning substance, improving both peripheral and the cerebral blood flow and the neural conductivity within the brain. Gingko is regarded as best choice herb for degenerative senility, short-term memory loss, tinnitus and diabetic retinopathy, for cold feet, for the prevention of strokes, heart attacks and altitude sickness.
Study results on the use of ginkgo in ADHD are mixed.
A 2014 study, for example, found that symptoms improved for people with ADHD who took a ginkgo extract. Children who took 240 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract daily for three to five weeks showed a reduction in ADHD symptoms with few negative side effects.
Another study from 2010 found slightly different results. Participants took either a dose of ginkgo or methylphenidate (Ritalin) for six weeks. Both groups experienced improvements, but Ritalin was more effective. Still, this study also showed potential benefits from ginkgo.