Herbs For Health: Gingko Biloba

The ginkgo biloba tree is one of the oldest species of tree on Earth. These trees live for hundreds of years and reach massive sizes of 130 feet tall. The oldest trees can be found in China and even predate the temples, some of which are thought to be over 1000 years old. To the Chinese people, ginkgo biloba is a real-life embodiment of the Yin and Yang concept. This herb is considered a symbol of a long life and the magic of life force itself.

This living fossil hasn’t changed much since its first appearance on Earth and is still prized today for its healing properties.

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

The ginkgo biloba tree is native to China and is also known as the Maidenhair Tree. This is thanks to its beautiful, unusually shaped leaves that resemble flowing hair on long branches. The leaves are shaped like fans and, on closer inspection, look like the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex. It’s no wonder that this herb is so beneficial for the brain. The ginkgo biloba leaves are the most valued part of the tree and are typically dried and ground into powder to use as a medicine or herbal tea. Nowadays, you can still sip on some healing tea as the ancient cultures have for so many years, or you can find ginkgo biloba pills and liquid extracts in local health food stores.

Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

1. Contains powerful antioxidants

Ginkgo biloba is packed with powerful antioxidants that are responsible for many of its health benefits. These antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals entering the body from the environment around us. Ginkgo biloba prevents the oxidative damage caused by these free radicals, and the antioxidants in this plant protect us against cellular and DNA damage.

2. Has anti-inflammatory properties

This herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce the inflammation that leads to certain conditions and diseases in the body, including arthritis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, and strokes. Other herbs that are beneficial in reducing inflammation include turmeric and holy basil, so read our blogs if you want to know more.

3. Protects the aging brain

Ginkgo biloba has shown great promise in improving symptoms in dementia patients, which also suggests it could protect against neurodegeneration in healthy humans. A study involving Alzheimer’s patients and ginkgo biloba has shown that taking this herb for 3 to 6 months improves cognitive functioning.

4. Supports healthy circulation

Many of Ginkgo Biloba’s healing abilities come from its ability to boost blood circulation around the body. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this herb opens channels in the body and allows our vital organs, like the brain, lungs, heart, and liver, to be stimulated by “chi.” An increase in blood circulation means less chance of heart disease and strokes. More blood flow to the brain also causes a measurable increase in circulation to the visual cortex. Research has shown that this could combat ADHD and difficulty concentrating.

5. Reduces stress and anxiety

Researchers have suggested that this leafy green works to reduce symptoms of anxiety. A study found that people who took 480mg of ginkgo biloba every day experienced a 45 percent reduction in their anxiety symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.

Ginkgo Biloba Dosage and Side Effects

The side effects of ginkgo biloba are rare and are only a cause for concern when dosages are exceeded. It is best to always follow the recommended dosage on the label of the product you’re using. But research supports the safety of taking between 120mg and 240mg divided into several doses throughout the day.

Potential side effects include headaches, heart palpitations, dizziness, and gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Ginkgo Biloba Contraindications

The blood-thinning properties of ginkgo biloba mean it should be avoided by anyone on blood-thinning medication or about to undergo surgery.

It is recommended to avoid taking ginkgo with other herbal supplements that also affect blood clotting. This includes herbs like Don Quai, clove, capsicum, ginger, ginseng, red clover, horse chestnut, and willow.

Avoid using ginkgo biloba together with other health supplements that increase the risk of a seizure. These include folic acid, EDTA, GBL, GBA, hyssop oil, glutamine, juniper, melatonin, L-carnitine, and wormwood.

How to use Ginkgo Biloba

Taking your ginkgo biloba with food and a glass of water helps the body absorb this herb more effectively. Ginkgo can be found fresh, in dried herb form for making herbal teas, as a tincture or liquid extract, in powder form, and as a capsule supplement.

Healing Ginkgo Biloba Recipes

Try your hand at these two healing ginkgo recipes!

Ginkgo Biloba Pesto

Equipment needed: Food processor

Ingredients:

3 cups freshly picked ginkgo leaves, stalk removed

1 heaped tbsp of white miso

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tsp coarse sea salt

1 heaped cup raw cashews

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Method:

• Layer the ginkgo leaves, miso, nutritional yeast, salt, and cashews in a food processor, with the leaves at the bottom.

• Quickly pour the olive oil down the chute as the motor runs. Process till just combined and still a little chunky.

• Transfer to a 500ml glass jar and pour extra olive oil over the top to cover.

• Tap the jar on a hard surface to remove any air bubbles, cap it, and store it in the fridge.

Ginkgo Biloba Tea

Ingredients:

2 tsp dried ginkgo leaves or 5 fresh leaves

1 cup freshly boiled water

Directions

Add the ginkgo leaves to the freshly boiled water and steep for 10 minutes.

Strain and drink immediately. Honey can be added if you wish. Drink this tea once or twice a day.

In Summary

Ginkgo biloba has been used medicinally for thousands of years to enhance memory and cognitive function, improve circulation and increase the overall well-being of the human body. People around the world cherish ginkgo in art, nature, and as an herbal remedy. Ginkgo biloba can be used as an every-day-healing-herb or to treat specific conditions. However, keep in mind that it’s always recommended to seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner before trying a new supplement.