Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba
Origin: China
Ingredients: Ginkgo biloba leaf
Flavor: mild, earthy
This is an earthy tea that can be enjoyed with your sweetener of choice. Ginkgo, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a unique species of tree with no living relatives. The ginkgo is a living fossil, recognizably similar to fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated and was introduced early to human history. It has various uses in traditional medicine for boosting memory, alertness, and concentration and can serve as a food source.*
Some Benefits of Drinking Ginkgo Tea*
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species with a long history of being used in traditional medicine to treat blood disorders and improve memory.* Several studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and preventing blood clot formation.* For these reasons, ginkgo may improve vein and eye health.* In addition, it has been demonstrated to help reduce intermittent claudication (cramping pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs).*
Ginkgo leaves have two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) that are antioxidants.* With age, the body builds up free radicals which can contribute to several diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.* Because of its antioxidant properties, ginkgo can help fight off free radicals, thus preventing DNA and cell damage.*
Though glaucoma’s pathogenesis is unknown, it has been hypothesized that vascular factors can have a role in disease progression.* Ginkgo’s antioxidant and neuroprotective properties are also beneficial to eye health, while ginkgo biloba extract appears to improve pre-existing visual field damage in some patients with low tension glaucoma.* As oxidative damage and vascular factors may play a role in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ginkgo has been suggested to help prevent disease progression.*
Ginkgo may help treat dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and protect memory in older adults, though it is unclear if ginkgo can improve memory in healthy individuals experiencing normal, age-related memory loss.* Research suggests that it may protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimer's disease.* Ginkgo may also improve the cognitive function of those with Alzheimer's disease, as well as facilitate the ability to perform day to day activities, improve social behavior, and decrease feelings of depression.*
Ginkgo is sometimes used to reverse the sexual performance issues that are triggered by taking certain antidepressants called SSRIs.* Additionally, ginkgo extract might help relieve the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.* More studies need to be done, but one study has shown that the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon can be reduced with ginkgo.*
Precautions
Some medical conditions may interact with ginkgo biloba. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding
• If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• If you have a history of blood disorders or bleeding conditions
Preparation: We recommend using 1 tea bag per 8 oz of water at a full rolling boil (212°F) and steeping anywhere from 2 to 3 minutes. Teas prepared from light, delicate blossoms or leaves require shorter steeping times than more hearty herbs. If you prefer a stronger brew, we suggest using multiple tea bags.
Shelf Life: Our products will maintain their freshness and integrity for up to 18 months after purchase. Store in a cool, dark place to ensure full shelf life.
