What is ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is an herb whose leaves are used to make medicine, according to MedlinePlus. Leaves from the ginkgo biloba tree have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, says WebMD. This herb works by increasing blood flow to the brain, as stated by Drugs.com.

Ginkgo biloba is used to treat memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It treats cerebral insufficiency characterized by confusion, poor concentration, fatigue, dizziness and depression, according to Mayo Clinic. It is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and schizophrenia. By improving blood circulation, ginkgo biloba helps the brain, legs, eyes and ears to function better, states WebMD.