Today, only one plant in the world dates back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. That plant is the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), the sole surviving species, which has existed for 150 million years. For this reason, the ginkgo is often called a “living fossil.” Ginkgo biloba tea, in turn, has the ‘magic’ to transform a drink that preserves youth. Ginkgo leaves and seeds have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in traditional Eastern medicine. Modern scientific research focuses more on the benefits of ginkgo leaves and their extracts. People know ginkgo biloba leaf tea for its health-boosting properties. Let’s explore the ginkgo biloba tea benefits.
The ginkgo is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 meters (131 feet) tall. The trunk of a mature tree can reach a diameter of up to 4 meters (13 feet). One of the most distinctive features of the ginkgo is its fan-shaped leaves with long petioles. These trees are usually dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female trees, though monoecious specimens (with both male and female flowers on the same tree) are occasionally found. Ginkgo flowers appear in the form of catkins.
Historically, ginkgo trees were cultivated near temples in China and Japan. From the 18th century onward, they were also introduced to Europe. Ginkgo is remarkably resilient, resistant to cold, drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable to the environment. There are even records of ginkgo trees surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima—within months, new shoots began sprouting from their charred trunks.
Raw Material for Ginkgo Tea
You van make ginkgo tea from ginkgo leaves, either fresh or dried. You may purchase dried ginkgo leaves at many stores as a pure product or as part of various tea blends—both loose-leaf and in tea bags.
However, if you have a ginkgo tree growing in your garden or nearby, you can prepare tea at home. Collect fresh, healthy leaves in late summer and dry them properly. Dry the leaves in a warm, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Once dried, store in an air-permeable container in a dark and dry place for about a year.
Ginkgo Biloba Tea Benefits
Ginkgo leaves are rich in antioxidants—compounds that strengthen the body and combat free radicals. The most well-known benefits of ginkgo relate to its positive effects on brain function, memory, and circulation. However, scientific research has also confirmed a wide range of other health benefits of this remarkable plant.
- Reduces inflammation. Studies have shown that regular consumption of ginkgo extract helps manage inflammatory responses and reduces them over time.
- Improves circulation. Ginkgo tea (and other ginkgo-based products) increases nitric oxide levels in the blood, which dilates blood vessels, enhances circulation, and allows oxygen-rich blood to reach the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys more efficiently.
- Supports Eye Health. Ginkgo positively impacts blood flow to the major blood vessels surrounding the optic nerve. Some studies suggest it may help slow retinal degeneration and improve vision for diabetic retinopathy patients.
- Reduces Anxiety. Research indicates that regular consumption of ginkgo tea significantly decreases symptoms of anxiety.
- Relieves Headaches. Ginkgo’s blood circulation-boosting properties manage migraines and other headaches. Traditional Chinese medicine used ginkgo for this purpose for centuries.
- Eases Menstrual Pain. Studies confirm that regular ginkgo consumption may serve as a natural remedy for menstrual pain. Nearly 25% of women participating in a study reported a noticeable reduction in the physical and emotional discomfort associated with menstruation.
- Alleviates Respiratory Symptoms. The antioxidants and flavonoids in ginkgo leaves help expand the airways, allowing more oxygen to reach the lungs. It can ease asthma and coughing episodes.
How to Prepare and Consume Ginkgo Biloba Tea?
Ginkgo tea can be made from fresh or dried ginkgo leaves. However, you can enhance its flavor by blending the leaves with other herbal ingredients. Some mixtures may even provide additional health benefits. For example, a mix of ginkgo leaves, lemon balm, mint, or lavender creates a soothing and relaxing tea, perfect for unwinding after a stressful day. You can also flavor ginkgo biloba tea with various spices (cinnamon or cardamom), fresh or dried berries, and honey.
It is safe to drink 2–3 cups of ginkgo tea a day. This amount is recommended daily to achieve noticeable ginkgo biloba tea benefits. Additionally, if you consume ginkgo extract supplements, the dosage should not exceed 600 mg daily.
Due to its stimulating and energy-boosting effects, ginkgo tea is best consumed in the morning as a coffee substitute. The food industry also commonly adds ginkgo leaves to tea blends that contain caffeine. It is believed that the combination of ginkgo and caffeine may enhance brain function more effectively.
Ginkgo Leaf Tea Recipe
Making ginkgo tea is simple—you only need ginkgo leaves and water.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 teaspoons of dried ginkgo leaves or a few fresh ginkgo leaves
- 2 cups of water
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil and then remove it from the heat.
- Add the ginkgo leaves to the hot water, cover, and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain before drinking, if desired.
Ginkgo Tincture (Alcohol-Based)
Ingredients:
- 150 g of dried ginkgo leaves
- 500 ml of vodka
Instructions:
- Place the ginkgo leaves and vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a dark place for one month. Shake the jar daily.
- After a month, strain the mixture, pressing the leaves to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer the finished tincture to a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
Consume 10–15 drops daily for at least one month. Experts recommend repeating this regimen three times a year for long-lasting health benefits.
Ginkgo Tea Benefits for Youthful Skin
Ginkgo is widely used in various skincare products due to its remarkable properties:
- Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help slow down the aging process.
- Ginkgo stimulates collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin firmness.
- It activates fibroblasts (connective tissue cells), helping the skin remain youthful and elastic.
- It eliminates bacteria from the skin’s surface, reducing acne.
- Ginkgo repairs sun-damaged skin, aiding in recovery from UV exposure.
- It enhances cellular metabolism, improving skin hydration and overall texture.
You can use ginkgo decoction as a natural facial cleanser. In combination with green tea, it provides deep hydration and boosts cell regeneration, keeping the skin supple. Additionally, applying ginkgo extracts directly to the skin enhances their effectiveness.
Potential Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Tea
While ginkgo products offer many health benefits, some individuals may experience side effects, such as allergic reactions (skin rash), nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches.
Certain people should be particularly cautious when consuming ginkgo tea, especially those taking specific medications:
- Blood thinners (including aspirin)
- Antidepressants
- Pain relievers (including ibuprofen)
Ginkgo can interact with these medications, potentially increasing the risk of internal bleeding and other severe conditions. If you are on any of these medications, it is crucial to consult a doctor before using ginkgo products.
Additionally, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children are advised to avoid ginkgo supplements for safety reasons.
Sources:
- https://www.republicoftea.com/blog/tea-culture/9-ginkgo-biloba-tea-benefits/tc-038/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541024/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginkgo-biloba-benefits
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263105
- https://thisnzlife.co.nz/grow-ginkgo-tea/
- https://www.herbaldynamicsbeauty.com/blogs/herbal-dynamics-beauty/the-benefits-of-gingko-biloba-for-skin
Associative photos © Canva.
