Ginkgo Biloba for Altitude Sickness

Whether or not you intend to climb any mountains in the near future, you may be intending to visit a location that has an altitude above 6500 feet where you could be susceptible to the onset of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). There are some people who put this figure as high as 8000 feet but if you live at or around sea level it would be in your best interest to be prepared for altitude sickness at the lower of the two elevations. In recent years it has been determined that Ginkgo Biloba has a definite effect in inhibiting the onset of AMS.

While this seed-bearing herb has been around for an estimated two hundred and seventy million years, and has been used over the centuries for a number of medicinal purposes, it has only recently come to light that Ginkgo Biloba can offset altitude sickness.

There is one danger you should be aware of. Ginkgo Biloba is only able to counteract the symptoms of AMS but it is not effective against High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Those are different creatures altogether and if you intend to climb a mountain higher than 6500’ to 8000’ then you should know the difference.

If you are not an experienced climber it is not likely you will be climbing to those heights, however, if you are on your first climb, it is in your best interest to take a seasoned guide and to talk to a well qualified medical professional before you set out. Ginkgo Biloba can offset AMS, which in itself can be debilitating and at times life-threatening, but it is no match for those higher altitudes.