Gotu Kola and Ginkgo biloba offer various benefits, but there are differences and advantages to each. Regarding anxiety and depression, some people may experience more benefits from Gotu Kola as it may have fewer interactions with other medications and cause fewer side effects.
Ginkgo biloba works by increasing oxygen levels in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, enabling new brain cell production by activating the BDNF protein. This helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance learning capabilities.
On the other hand, Gotu Kola has been known to help reduce anxiety and depression through its adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties. It supports the nervous system and helps the body adapt to stress.
Choosing between these herbs for managing anxiety depends on individual needs and circumstances.
This article will explain which herbs you can use to handle your anxiety.
Overview
- Both Gingko Biloba and Gotu kola reduce anxiety by triggering the GABA signal. Yet, Gotu Kola has a unique substance called “Asiatic acid,” which might better regulate the neurotransmitter GABA, promoting calming effects and reducing anxiety.
- Ginkgo biloba acts as an adaptogen and balances stress-related abnormalities in the brain(catecholamine). Ginkgo also has dopaminergic and noradrenergic properties that reduce depressive symptoms and boost focus and mood.
- If you have Anxiety, Gotu Kola might be a better choice because of its fewer side effects and better tolerability. Regardless, you can combine anxiety, and both are well-tolerated.
Gotu Kola and Gingko Help: How They Work, and Benefits
Gotu Kola has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is a natural tranquilizer that stimulates GABA receptors and helps you reduce anxiety-stress and other mental health conditions, but the research is limited.
Unlike Gotu Kola, Gingko inhibits the neurotoxicity of amyloid-β protein and protects brain cells from environmental toxins.
Research has found Gingko Biloba has a therapeutic effect on depression and mood problems as well as stimulates the production of new neurons by increasing BDNF protein in the hippocampus.
People with a deficiency of BDNF tend to have more depression and anxiety symptoms.
Both are good for anxiety and depression by stimulating oxygen in the brain and reducing stress and anxiety.
Related: GABA, and The Benefits Of Anxiety
Gotu Kola And Ginkgo Biloba Both Are Antioxidant
Gotu Kola and Ginkgo Biloba are rich in antioxidants, containing high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids that combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect mitochondria from damage.
Chronic inflammation triggers the release of inflammatory hormones like IL-6, TNF-alpha, and cortisol. Excess cortisol suppresses brain chemicals such as serotonin, GABA, and BDNF protein, worsening mental health conditions. Both Gotu Kola and Ginkgo Biloba act as antioxidants, safeguarding brain cells from environmental damage.
Moreover, Gingko Biloba also protects the aluminum accumulation in the brain, which is highly toxic for brain cells and causes mental and cognitive problems.
Both Of Them Helps Better Circulation
Circulation is important because low-quality blood flow to the brain can impair cognitive functions and impact mood.
The brain needs an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to work at its best. Strokes, memorial problems, anxiety, and other risk factors can cause poor blood flow.
Studies showed oxygen supplies could support the following:
- Stimulate Neurogenesis
- Increase memory capacity.
- Boost concentration.
- Develop stronger alertness.
That’s why I like the Wim Hof Breathing methods, which reduce inflammation and support oxygen levels.
Yet, Ginkgo and Gotu Cola have been found to improve blood circulation and oxygenation of the brain and memory.
The More Oxygen In Your Brain, Better Brain Chemicals
The brain, as the center for most mental activity, relies on its billions of neurons to constantly send signals to one another. This information flow enables you to think, feel, and act.
Brain chemicals can be categorized into neurotransmitters and hormones. Neurotransmitters facilitate communication between neurons, while hormones regulate bodily functions like blood pressure and temperature.
Enhancing blood circulation and oxygenation in the brain can boost the production of positive chemicals like serotonin and melatonin, the sleep hormone. Gotu Kola and Ginkgo Biloba aid in improving blood circulation.
Thanks to Gotu Kola and Gingko Biloba for helping blood circulation.
Anxiety can worsen due to serotonin or melatonin deficiencies, and studies have shown that melatonin can help reduce anxiety behavior.
Related: Why Is Melatonin Important For Well-Being, Anxiety, And Depression?
You Can Use Two Of Them
You can combine both of them because they both work synergetically with each other.
The two plants have similar medicinal properties but differ in some ways. You can try it yourself and check which works better for you.
| Substance | Description | Potential for Anxiety Relief | Cautionary Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gotu Kola | Gotu Kola has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. Some studies have shown that it may have a calming effect on the nervous system, possibly by stimulating GABA receptors in the brain. | Moderate | Long-term safety and effectiveness not fully established may interact with certain medications. |
| Ginkgo Biloba | An herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its potential cognition and memory enhancement properties. Some research suggests that Ginkgo Biloba may positively affect anxiety and stress. | Moderate | It may cause gastrointestinal side effects and may interact with certain medications. |
Other Methods For Fighting Anxiety And Depression
New studies showed that anxiety is mostly related to Cognitive Distortions, inflammations, Nutritional Deficiency (especially Magnesium, B6, and B1), and Sleep problems. (Melatonin Deficiency, EMF exposure, and Blue Light Exposure At Night)
Some techniques can help to get a better handle on anxiety, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: One of the most effective treatments for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is designed to help people understand what causes their negative thoughts and behaviors and how they can change them. CBT is more effective than medication alone in treating depression.
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our circadian rhythm (our body clock). It is synthesized from Serotonin by the pineal gland in the brain. Studies have shown that just one night of sleep deprivation can significantly affect mental health, including anxiety and depression.
- Exercise: Exercise is one of the most important things people can do for their mood. It stimulates new brain cells and secretes mood-boosting chemicals such as dopamine, GABA, endorphins, Serotonin, and norepinephrine. And support if you do it earlier, you at night helps to get better sleep by promoting better Melatonin secretion.
Regular Meditation and Wim Hof Breathing methods can also support inflammation levels, promote calmness, and reduce anxiety.
| Method | Description | Potential Uses | Risks/Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gotu Kola | A herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its mental health support and antioxidant benefits. Some research suggests that Gotu Kola may have a calming effect on the nervous system and help with anxiety and stress. | Anxiety, stress, mental health support, antioxidant benefits | Long-term safety and effectiveness not fully established may interact with certain medications |
| Ginkgo Biloba | An herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its potential cognition and memory enhancement properties. Some research suggests that Ginkgo Biloba may positively affect anxiety and stress. | Anxiety, stress, cognition, and memory enhancement | It may cause gastrointestinal side effects and may interact with certain medications. |
| Other methods | This could include prescription medications, therapy, exercise, or other natural remedies for anxiety. | Anxiety, stress, mental health support | Risks and considerations will vary depending on the specific method. |
Outline
Gotu Kola and Ginkgo Biloba share similar properties and may benefit some individuals.
When choosing Gotu Kola, ensure the standardized extract contains 40% asiaticoside, 29 to 30% Asiatic acid, 29 to 30% madecassic acid, and 1 to 2% madecassoside to experience its full benefits.
For Ginkgo Biloba, opt for a standardized extract of EGb 761, as it contains 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavonoid glycosides. Most scientific research has focused on this specific form.
I hope this article works for you
Thank you for reading.