Health

7 ways ginkgo biloba can help your entire bod, according to an herbalist

Check out these major ginkgo biloba benefits, including how it can help with muscle soreness and headaches. Plus, what you should know before trying it.

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Photo: Getty Images/filadendron
Published Jan 3, 2019

Written by 

Emily Laurence

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Whether you’re deep into marathon training or hit the ground running a little too eagerly pursuing those #NewYearNewYou goals, muscle soreness happens to the best of us. While soaking in an Epsom salt bath can work wonders, there’s another secret weapon worth having in your back pocket: ginkgo biloba.

Never heard of it? Ginkgo biloba comes from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, which originally hails from China. It’s been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries because of its many healing benefits—including, yes, muscle soreness. “One of ginkgo biloba’s functions is working as a blood invigorator,” says TCM expert, licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and IN:Total Wellness founder, Simone Wan. “It increases blood circulation and can especially help with joint and muscle injuries and soreness.” Basically, boosted blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, helping speed their recovery.

But that’s not the only benefit it offers up. Keep reading for every ginkgo biloba benefit, potential risks, and ways to incorporate the herb into your diet.

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Photo: Getty Images/ivstiv

Other ginkgo biloba benefits

1. It may be good for your brain. As Wan explains above, ginkgo biloba increases blood flow in the body—and this includes your brain, which is key for keeping the mind sharp and healthy.

However, research is notoriously mixed on the subject. While a 2017 review of studies found that ginkgo biloba could improve cognitive function for people with dementia, a 2012 meta-analysis found no evidence to prove that the supplement gives any kind of brain benefit for healthy people. (And a very large 2009 clinical trial found the same.) So…take all brain-boosting claims with a grain of salt.

2. It may improve kidney health. Because of its antioxidant content, researchers have found it boosted kidney function in rats. When they gave the rats the herb, it was able to protect their bodies from the effects of toxic heavy metal particles better and faster than rats who had no ginkgo biloba.

3. It may help lower inflammation. “Blood has many healing qualities to it, including bringing healing nutrients and oxygen to damaged cells,” Wan explains. “Gingko increases blood circulation, so the blood flow helps lower inflammation in certain areas of the body, specifically the lower back, knees, and brain.”

4. It could help with anxiety. If you go to a TCM expert, don’t be surprised if he or she recommends upping your ginkgo consumption. “The gingko leaf has an astringent quality and brings heat from the upper part of the body downward,” Wan says. “If you think of anxiety as your heart on fire, think of gingko as a fire extinguisher shooting coolness downward.”

However, Wan says this one herb shouldn’t be considered a cure-all for anxiety. “Anxiety should also be treated by nourishing the heart, not just extinguishing the fire,” she says. Some other herbs she says can help: rhodiola rosea, schisandra fruit, and radix bupleuri, a few herbs she uses in a blend specially crafted to reduce anxiety. And of course, therapy, lifestyle changes, and traditional medications (if needed) should also be a part of your treatment arsenal.

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5. It may help with your headaches. Some small studies have backed up the effectiveness at using ginkgo for migraines in women, and it’s been used as a TCM-approved remedy for headaches for a long time. So if your go-to remedies aren’t helping, this might be one to consider.

6. It could make PMS less awful. As if all the above benefits weren’t reason enough to consider consuming more ginkgo, the herb could also lessen PMS symptoms, both with cramps and mood. It worked in a small, randomized, double-blind study, which is very promising.

Potential risks of ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is generally considered to be safe for people, but there are some potential risks to be aware of. According to the Mayo Clinic, gingko can cause side effects like dizziness, headaches, constipation, and heart palpitations.

And it’s not for everyone. “Women who are pregnant, have heavy blood flow during their periods, or have chronic diarrhea should not use this herb,” Wan says. “The herb can increase circulation in the lower part of the body’s organs…[so] it may also cause extra bleeding or worse yet, an early miscarriage.” Per the Mayo Clinic, the supplement may also interfere with drugs used to treat anxiety (like Xanax), diabetes, and blood clotting.

Another thing to keep in mind: A major 2013 report from the National Toxicology Program found that gingko biloba was associated with liver cancer in mice, and thyroid cancer in rats and male mice. The study looked at just rodents, not humans, so that doesn’t mean that ginkgo is automatically going to cause cancer (especially given that the animals were given super-high doses of ginkgo biloba that don’t reflect how most people consume it). But it is something certainly to be aware of when you consider taking the supplement.

How to consume it

The first step: Talk to your doctor to ensure that it won’t interfere with any existing conditions or medications that you are taking. If they give you the green light, there are a few ways to go about taking it.

Because it’s a leaf, ginkgo biloba is commonly ground up and used in a blend with other beneficial herbs. It’s not unusual to find it in a tea blend or powder, which you can add to hot water to make your own tea, or add to your morning smoothie. It’s also available in tincture form, so if you can add a dropper’s worth to your smoothie, coffee, tea, or food that way, too. Or if you’re just looking for the least complicated route, you can take it as a supplement.

While ginkgo biloba isn’t as trendy as some of the other anti-inflammatory agents, like moringa and turmeric, it does have the potential to give your whole bod a boost. It’s yet another ancient practice that has (mostly) withstood the test of time.

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Here are some more ways to treat muscle soreness, plus an expert’s advice on if you should skip your workout if your body is already feeling it.

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Health

Fact or Fiction: Are Wireless Headphones Actually Bad For Your Brain?

Our experts share whether these handy devices are friends...or foes.

young woman in orange sweater listening to music on wireless headphones over a mobile app while sitting on a comfortable green sofa
Photo: Getty Images / Milan Markovic
Published Feb 20, 2025

Written by 

Jaime Osnato

Wireless headphones go everywhere with us—on commutes, at the gym, and even in bed. We know they're undeniably convenient. But wireless headphones are radiation-emitting devices. So, having them close to your brain does raise some valid concerns.

Experts in This Article

Janna Andrews

chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital

Jonathan Rasouli

a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital

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Some experts suggest that high exposure to long-term radiofrequency (RF) radiation could have health effects, while others say there’s nothing to worry about. So, what’s actually the truth? Before you ditch your AirPods, let’s break down the science, separate fact from fear, and see if your favorite tech accessory comes with any real risks.

First, what is radiofrequency (RF) radiation?

Not all radiation is created equal. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from low-energy radiation to high-energy radiation. At the low end of the spectrum is radiofrequency (RF) radiation, like radio waves and microwaves, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s considered a non-ionizing type of radiation—meaning, it lacks enough energy to remove electrons from an atom.

Wireless headphones use low-power, non-ionizing RF radiation—the same type of radiation emitted by cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, says Jonathan Rasouli, MD, a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. While high-energy, ionizing radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays) is proven to cause cellular damage, low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation has long been considered safer, according to Janna Andrews, MD, chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital. However, some emerging studies suggest it may not be entirely risk-free.

What are the potential risks of RF radiation?

In 2015, a group of international scientists signed a petition raising "serious concern" about radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless devices, including Bluetooth headphones, due to potential links to cancer and other health effects. Here's what the research says so far about the potential health risks of long-term RFR exposure.

Cancer

The jury’s still out, but some research suggests a possible link between wireless devices and cancer risk. In 2011, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified RF radiation as a Class 2B Possible Human Carcinogen, meaning it might contribute to cancer, according to the Environmental Health Trust. A May 2014 meta-analysis published in PLOS One found a potential association between long-term mobile phone use and glioma, a type of brain tumor.1 However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this connection.

Fertility and reproductive health

It sounds farfetched, but wireless devices may affect male fertility. A December 2018 review published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can harm sperm quality, disrupt cellular metabolism, and cause oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to infertility for people with testes.2

Hearing problems

Long-term exposure to RF radiation might also take a toll on your ears. Several studies suggest a potential link between wireless devices and hearing loss. For example, a study published in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery found that high-frequency hearing loss was significantly more common in the dominant ear of cell phone users—the one that you use more often when you're making a call.3

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Additionally, a 2016 literature review in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology found that RF radiation from cell phone use may trigger or worsen tinnitus, a condition that causes persistent ringing in the ears.4

Oxidative stress and cellular damage

Some research suggests RF radiation might stress out your cells—literally. This stress can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable molecules that damage DNA, according to the American Cancer Society. A 2015 review in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine concluded that long-term exposure to low-intensity RF radiation could contribute to oxidative stress, which is known to be a risk factor for a variety of health conditions, including cancer and inflammatory diseases.5

So, what's the verdict?

While some studies suggest prolonged RF radiation exposure may increase health risks, there’s no strong evidence that Bluetooth headphones in particular are dangerous, says Dr. Rasouli.

Animal studies have hinted at a link between RF radiation and tumors, but results have been inconsistent and inconclusive—and more importantly, haven't been replicated in human studies. Even studies of workers exposed to higher RF levels—such as radar technicians and radio operators—have not found a clear increase in cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society.

In addition, large-scale studies on cell phone use haven’t definitively linked RF radiation to brain tumors or cancer, Dr. Rasouli says. And cell phones emit far more RF radiation than wireless Bluetooth headphones. In the U.S., cell phones operate between 1.8 to 2.2 gigahertz (GHz), while Bluetooth devices emit only 0.25 to 10 percent of that—well below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety limits, adds Dr. Andrews. The FCC regulates exposure levels to ensure they remain within safe thresholds, she explains.

So far, there’s no solid data that wireless headphones pose significant health risks. Unlike ionizing radiation (like X-rays), RF waves don’t have enough energy to damage DNA directly. However, moderation is key—as with any technology, Dr. Rasouli explains. By following smart listening habits and staying informed, you can use wireless headphones with confidence, he adds.

How to keep your brain (and ears) safe

Want to play it safe? Here are simple ways to reduce any potential risks, according to Drs. Rasouli and Andrews:

  • Limit long-term use: Listening to your wireless headphones at a high volume can cause hearing loss
  • Lower the volume: Keep it below 85 decibels (dB) for no more than eight hours per day
  • Avoid sleeping with headphones on: Doing so can help reduce your odds of bacterial infections, wax buildup, and potential hearing loss
  • Consider wired headphones: This eliminates the RF radiation concern altogether
  • Keep them clean: Wipe with alcohol pads to prevent bacteria buildup and ear infections
  1. Yang, Ming et al. “Mobile phone use and glioma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 12,5 e0175136. 4 May. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175136 ↩︎
  2. Kesari, Kavindra Kumar et al. “Radiations and male fertility.” Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E vol. 16,1 118. 9 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0431-1 ↩︎
  3. Velayutham, P et al. “High-frequency hearing loss among mobile phone users.” Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India vol. 66,Suppl 1 (2014): 169-72. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0406-4 ↩︎
  4. Medeiros, Luisa Nascimento, and Tanit Ganz Sanchez. “Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.” Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology vol. 82,1 (2016): 97-104. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.04.013 ↩︎
  5. Yakymenko, Igor et al. “Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation.” Electromagnetic biology and medicine vol. 35,2 (2016): 186-202. doi:10.3109/15368378.2015.1043557 ↩︎

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Food

Food Trends Come and Go, But Kombucha Is Forever—Here’s Why, According to an RD

Here's what an RD has to say about the kombucha trend, why it's held such staying power, and what to look for when you're stocking up.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Feb 3, 2025

In Partnership With 

GT's Living Foods

Written by 

Well+Good Editors

There was the low-fat craze of the 1990s and 2000s. The ‘10s rolled in with celery juice, Impossible burgers, and truffle oil on everything—followed by whipped coffee, feta pasta, and the gazillion other viral #foodtok moments of the current decade. Try to keep up with the latest food trends, and you’re in for a quite a ride.

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There’s nothing wrong with opting into the (literal) flavor of the month—but when it comes to nutrition, it’s worth paying special attention to the foods and drinks that have lasted longer than a season. For registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, kombucha is high on that list of long-standing staples.

According to Google Trends, the kombucha trend entered the wellness mainstream around 2017—but Manaker notes that its history stretches back thousands of years, originating as a traditional fermented drink in East Asia. “What has given kombucha such remarkable staying power, compared to other fleeting food and beverage trends, lies in its unique combination of health benefits, historical significance, and overall appeal,” she says.

Back to the ’90s for a minute: That sacred, historical significance of kombucha is what inspired a California teenager named GT Dave to eschew the food trends of the day in favor of a—at the time—less popular way of supporting his and his family’s health. In 1995, Dave was gifted an heirloom Himalayan SCOBY (or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, the living culture used to ferment kombucha). He was intrigued by the healing effects he’d seen firsthand when his mother was sick, so he began crafting his own homemade kombucha. His at-home hobby turned into SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha, and a suite of other probiotic-rich, living foods.

This year, GT’s Living Foods celebrates 30 years of crafting kombucha the real way: traditionally fermented with heirloom cultures for billions of living probiotics. While other health trends have come and gone, it’s clear Dave was ahead of the curve all those years ago.

Here’s what Manaker has to say about why the kombucha trend is so much more than just a passing fad, the health benefits of the drink, and why it’s worthy of a forever spot in your daily wellness routine.

The health benefits of kombucha

The secret to foods that outlast all the fads? They strike the balance of nutritious, tasty, and generally low-effort. Done, done, and done: According to Manaker, the health benefits of kombucha are wide-ranging—and its delicious, tangy taste is the cherry (or guava, or pomelo, or strawberry) on top.

First and foremost, studies suggest that drinking kombucha may help boost your gut health, which has a major effect on your overall well-being. “Kombucha is a source of probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that support gut health by balancing the gut microbiome,” Manaker says. “A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, immune health, and nutrient absorption.”

Some kombucha contains polyphenols and bioactive compounds, which Manaker says may help manage inflammation in the body, as well as antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals. “Data highlights that the consumption of antioxidant-rich beverages like kombucha can support overall cellular health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” she says.

To reap its full benefits, Manaker recommends sipping kombucha daily. “Consistent consumption helps colonize the gut with the beneficial probiotics found in this fermented beverage, supporting a balanced and healthy microbiome over time,” she says—with the caveat that not all kombucha is created equal. Choose one that contains live probiotics and diverse strains (like SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha), she says, because these ingredients contribute more actively to gut health.

Why the kombucha trend has such staying power

From Manaker’s POV, the “kombucha trend” has withstood decades (correction, centuries) of changing food-and-beverage tides because it’s equal parts nutritious and delicious. “A growing awareness of gut health and its importance to overall well-being has kept kombucha in the spotlight,” she says. “Its natural probiotics and enzymes support a balanced microbiome, which in turn promotes digestion, immunity, and even potentially mental health.”

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And beyond its health benefits? “Kombucha’s distinct, tangy, and slightly effervescent flavor profile has helped it gain a loyal following as a delicious and refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or artificial drinks,” Manaker says.

What to look for in a quality kombucha

“When choosing a kombucha brand, it’s essential to prioritize quality, ingredients, and sourcing,” Manaker says. She looks for options that are raw, organic, unpasteurized (to help preserve the live probiotics and enzymes, she says), and grown by the traditional fermentation process. “Transparency about the ingredients and brewing process is another key factor,” she adds. “Opt for brands that list exactly what they use without hidden sugars or synthetic flavorings.”

GT’s SYNERGY checks every one of her kombucha boxes. She loves the small-batch brewing and weeks-long fermentation process, which separates GT’s from most other kombuchas on the market *and* boosts its nutritional value. “It’s clear [GT’s Living Foods] never cuts corners—each bottle is raw, unpasteurized, and free from artificial flavors, which only enhances the natural and refreshing experience. And since it is made with real tea, it naturally contains antioxidants to support my brain health.”

Manaker’s go-to for a little well-being boost is Pomelo Pink Lemonade, but you can’t go wrong with any of SYNERGY’s 23 fizzy flavors. Try them all and find your favorite—and then make kombucha a forever thing in your life.

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