Herbal Spotlight: Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species in the world, having survived unchanged in China for over three hundred million years. Charles Darwin called the ginkgo tree a living fossil. Ginkgo trees, also known as Maidenhair Trees, are very resistant to viruses, fungi, insects, pollution, and even radiation. A ginkgo tree was the only plant to survive the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Medicinal use of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. It was recommended for respiratory tract ailments as well as memory loss in the elderly. Today, Ginkgo biloba is recognized as an invaluable aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and age related ailments.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf acts as an antioxidant and a nerve cell membrane stabilizer. The brain and central nervous system are particularly susceptible to free radical attack and free radical damage in the brain is widely accepted as being a contributing factor in many disorders associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s disease. This antioxidant activity in the brain and central nervous system may help prevent various age-related declines in brain function. This herb also increases overall circulation as well as the circulation efficiency to the brain enhancing oxygen and glucose utilization.  Helping to keep the brain sharp and focused, especially when cognition is reduced due to stress.

The active components of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf have a profound tonic effect on the mind and body for many of the symptoms of aging and our general health as we age. Many of our most popular tisane blends utilize this powerful herb;

• Happy Herbal Tea uses Ginkgo Biloba Leaf which is full of antioxidants that combat or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. It also helps to improve brain function, enhance mental performance, promote emotional wellbeing and reduce anxiety.
• Heart Herbal Tea contains Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, which helps to increase blood levels of nitric oxide, which improves circulation by dilation of the blood vessels. Blood circulation is improved by opening up blood vessels and making the blood less sticky.