Ginkgo Biloba Tea

The Ginkgo Biloba tea is an herbal infusion obtained from the extract of the dried leaves of the Ginkgo biloba plant. Because of its medicinal properties, this caffeine-free tea comes with a lot of health benefits.

History and Origin

The Ginkgo biloba plant from which the tea has been derived is considered to be the oldest living tree in the world, traced in the fossils dating back to about 270 million years. Indigenous to southern parts of Japan and China, it is Tokyo’s official tree. This tea has had a lot of medicinal uses in ancient times, and with the popularity of herbal teas, people may have started preparing an infusion with the extracts to get a warm drink.

Health benefits of ginkgo biloba tea: What is it good for

Though the supplements of gingko biloba are more popular in comparison to the drink, still brewing the leaves to prepare a warm infusion would be helpful in a lot of ways.

As a powerful antioxidant

The presence of flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and terpenoids in the gingko plant, enhances the tea’s antioxidant properties, helping it to protect the body from free radical damage, hence contributing to boosting the immunity, reducing risks of cancer as well as working towards maintaining healthy skin.

Stress relieving properties

Having anti-depressant properties, a cup of gingko biloba tea, taken on a regular basis could act as an excellent remedy for reducing stress. The Journal of Psychiatric Research had also published a finding which mentioned that those suffering from anxiety disorder experienced greater relief after drinking an infusion of gingko in comparison to those who did not have it. However, if you are on anxiety medicines, avoid drinking the tea as it might lessen the function of the pills.

Enhances cognitive development

Studies have shown the positive effects of ginkgo biloba extracts on those suffering from several cognitive disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s alongside other neurodegenerative diseases. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is said to lessen oxidative stress, improve the blood circulation to the brain as well as protect it from any neuronal damage. Though the extract is more beneficial than the infusion, a cup of ginkgo tea a day could work towards improving your memory and social behavior, also helping you to do your day-to-day task with ease.

For eye health

Particular research published in 2013, mentioned the biloba extracts to have a positive effect on patients with normal tension glaucoma. These patients had been observed for about 12 years and received the extract for just four years. The outcome was a positive one since the incidence of visual field loss could be lessened, but the intraocular pressure remained unaffected. Though the tea may not be as effective as the extract, drinking it on a routine basis would help in maintaining your eye health.

Eases PMS symptoms

Research and studies have deduced that extracts of this plant have worked towards lessening the severity of certain physical as well as psychological symptoms women may experience during menstruation like bloating, fatigue, stress, insomnia, and palpitations. The flavonoids present in ginkgo help in restricting the productions of prostaglandins which could cause inflammation, thus having an anti-inflammatory impact and reducing pains as well as cramps. Ginkgo also has bioflavonoids which produce an anxiolytic effect, helping to reduce stress.

How to make ginkgo biloba tea

Ingredients

• Dried gingko leaves (1 teaspoon)
• Water ( 1 or 2 cups)
• Honey or lemon (optional)

Directions

• Boil the water for some time
• Take it off the heat
• Steep for 7 to 10 minutes
• Strain the infusion
• Add honey or lemon as a sweetener
• Serve hot

Safety Precautions

Side effects

Though this tea does not have any known side effects, overconsumption may result in nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Is ginkgo biloba tea safe during pregnancy

Before using ginkgo biloba tea during pregnancy ask your doctor if it is safe to have it. Like most other herbal extracts, this one too is said to have anti-platelet properties and could prolong the duration of bleeding. Hence, drinking it when your labor date is around the corner is not advisable.

Its effect on lactating mothers is unknown, thus it is better to avoid having it when you are breastfeeding.

Where to buy

Ginkgo biloba leaf tea powder or tea bags are available online and in most stores selling herbal teas.