Ginkgo-Gunk

    Actor Hector Elizondo popped up on my T.V. "I exercise to keep my body healthy," went the gist of his script. "To keep my mind healthy I take these!" He held up a box of Ginkgo-Gunk pills (name changed to prevent endorsing the guilty).

    One wonders if the supposed "exercise" regimen for his body is also a pill. Doubtful. So why should a pill keep one's mind in top working order? Want to keep your mind in great shape? Want to use your mind so you don't lose it? Try exercising your mind. Work logic puzzles. Fill in crosswords. Practice math problems. Read challenging material. Just as you exercise your muscles by working them, you exercise your mind by working it.

    Am I knocking Ginkgo-Biloba derived products? Not necessarily. Personally, I've not tried them, nor have I seen any scientific evidence attesting to them. I'm still not willing to knock them, though. Just as vitamins, minerals, and other supplements are essential to the body, I'm willing to consider a mind supplement. However, many of those same "body" supplements would probably be far more effective mind supplements than the latest fad herbs. The main point I wish to stress is -- they are supplements. They are to supplement other things, not be you regimen.

    The main problem I have with the advertising from the makers of Ginkgo-Gunk is that they (and promoters of similar products are just as guilty) would seem to have you believe all you need do is take their version of the herb of choice and all your mental problems are solved, that nothing is either more effective or required. That is simply not the case.

Los Angeles, CA
December 23rd, 1998