The Ginkgo tree is from the era of dinosaurs, but while the dinosaur has been extinguished, the modern Ginkgo has not changed. After the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, the Ginkgo was the first tree that came up. It’s amazing.
Koji Nakanishi

Photo by Photoholgic
Ginkgo Biloba is a beautiful deciduous tree with very defined fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgo means silver apricot and Biloba means two-lobed which describes the leaves perfectly. Ginkgo Biloba is also known as the Maidenhair Tree. The Ginkgo is native to China and there is one particular tree within the walls of Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple, in Zhongnan Mountain region of China that is around 1,400 years old. The leaves turn a stunning gold colour and fall magnificently in autumn creating a carpet of golden leaves. The Ginkgo Biloba is very popular as a bonsai and penjing too.
Ginkgo Biloba has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since the 15th century and can be used in teas to assist with many conditions, predominantly good for relieving anxiety and for mental clarity. Listed below are the benefits of this wonderful tree:
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba:
- Contains powerful antioxidants
- Can help fight inflammation
- Improves circulation
- Assists with heart health
- Can help asthma sufferers
- Reduces PMS symptoms
- Assists with low libido
- Can soothe bladder infections
- Reduces symptoms of psychiatric disorders
- Aids in the symptoms of dementia
- Improves brain function
- Cognitive function
- Can aid memory
- Can reduce anxiety
- Can assist with depression
- Supports vision and eye health

Image from Pixabay
Possible side effects of Ginkgo Biloba:
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Restlessness
- Headaches
These possible side effects are usually related to the Ginkgo Biloba supplements but please be aware that some people may have a sensitivity to this when made as a tea. Discuss with your General Practitioner or health professional.

Gingko Tea:
To make yourself a cup of Ginkgo Tea, follow this method – Rinse 4-5 Ginkgo leaves and place in a cup, fill with freshly boiled water. Steep 4-5 minutes, strain and drink. Add a little honey to taste. As an alternative you could add a tsp of peppermint or lemon balm tea and steep together with the Ginkgo leaves. My friend at Fusion Ayurveda shared this recipe with me, please pop into her Instagram account and give her a follow.

Photo by Bethany Yanchick
{Medical Disclaimer: I am not a medical practitioner or midwife. Please do your own research and consult your medical care provider with any questions}
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One time we discovered a fruiting gingko tree in our local park. I’d read about gingko’s excellent qualities, so we gathered the fruit, washed it carefully and ate some of it. It was a really strange experience; we felt our brains go into a kind of hyper space, not speeded up like with caffeine, but hyper-aware. I don’t know if this was the gingko or just our suggestibility, but it was interesting.
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Oh interesting I have heard the fruit is used in some medicinal concoctions, maybe for a more intense mental clarity?? Thanks for reading ☕🙏
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I wonder if it matters male versus female tree? The female has the stinky fruit.
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Enjoyed this interesting post….so many health benefits! I love trying out different kinds of teas and maybe this one should be my next, now that I know how healthy it is!☕
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Absolutely, and would love to hear how you find it. Hope you are enjoying your new surroundings 🧡
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Is this the tree that drops all its leaves at once? So beautiful.
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Is this the tree that loses all its leaves at one time? So beautiful.
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Is this the tree that sheds all its leaves at one time? Beautiful!
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I think it might be. Thanks for popping in to the Tea Chest Blog 🍵
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