The bitter, astringent leaves and nut of the ginkgo (also called maidenhair) tree are used medicinally. They affect the lungs, the kidneys, and also have been shown to be effective for the brain. The nuts are expectorant, antitussive, antiasthmatic, ... *
Ginkgo Biloba Tea "Great tea. You will feel the postivie effects of this tea on your mental focus." -- Patrick
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
The bitter, astringent leaves and nut of the ginkgo (also called maidenhair) tree are used medicinally. They affect the lungs, the kidneys, and also have been shown to be effective for the brain. The nuts are expectorant, antitussive, antiasthmatic, sedative, and mildly astringent, while the leaf extract seems to have vasoactive properties, especially improving circulation to the brain. In terms of the biochemical makeup of this herb, ginkgo contains flavonoids, including kaempferol, quercitin, isorhamnetine and other glycosides, proanthocyanidines and nonflavonoid terpenes, bilobalide, gingkolides (A, B, and C), lignans, essential oil and tannins.
Ginkgo is commonly used for improving blood circulation to the brain, improving peripheral blood circulation, coldness, tinnitus, Alzheimer's and senility. It has also been used to improve one's mood and sociability, Raynaud's disease, arthritic and rheumatic problems, arteriosclerosis, eye weakness caused by poor circulation, vertigo, anxiety and tension, as well as lung and bronchial congestion have all been treated with ginkgo. While the nut has primarily been used in Chinese medicine for asthmatic, bronchial and pulmonary conditions, a flavonoid extract of ginkgo leaf has been discovered to be effective for peripheral blood circulation and circulation to the brain.
In Europe, several studies were made on geriatric patients. According to herbalist Arnanda McQuade, "one study of patients between the ages of 60 and 80 with senile dementia showed measurable improvement in as little as eight weeks Treatment with gingko under four to eight weeks is considered too short to be effective No side effects or habituation have been demonstrated using the average dose of 40 mg three times daily for three months Even a single dose of 600 mg given expenmentally to young women produced no side effects except improved memory." (Amanda McQuade, "Strange and Beautiful Gingko," Let's Live, vol. 56, #5 (June i988), pp. 80-83.)
In her article, Amanda further states how "Gingko is used to treat or improve memory, mental efficiency, ability to concentrate, sociability and mood especially in the senile and aged." It has been shown to reduce anxiety, tension, headaches, vertigo, symptoms of senility, senile dementia, tinnitus, visual problems, Alzheimer's, peripheral blood disorders such as Raynaud's, postphlebitis and diabetic peripheral vascular disease.
Other uses include those conditions of auditory nerve damage that can benefit from improved blood flow. In fact, just about any condition that could be ameliorated with increased blood flow is likely to benefit from the regular use of ginkgo leaf.
The potency of the European extract that has demonstrated effectiveness is a 50-to-1 extract (50 parts of the leaves to make one part extract). This is then standardized to 24% of the flavone glycosides. To date, there are literally hundreds of scientific studies attesting to the benefits of using this 24% concentrated extract.
Possible side effects from the use of ginkgo include dermatitis, irritability, restlessness, diarrhea and vomiting, though these are rare.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea).
Iced tea brewing method (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water].
Additional Information
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
