Background
Ginkgo leaf comes from the Ginkgo Biloba tree, also known as the maidenhair fern or the living fossil tree, as its species has remained virtually unchanged for 200 million years. Its leaf is distinguished by single veins running up from the base of the leaf, which turns a glorious yellow in Autumn.
Ginkgo leaf was first used to treat ailments in patients in around 2800 B.C., and it was then described as a plant useful for the treatment of respiratory disorders, as well as brain and head diseases. It is now one of the most widely sold herbal treatments available in the U.S. for respiratory problems and it is now widely used as an aid to circulation, too. Taking Ginkgo leaf extract is considered to help patients suffering from Claudication—narrowing of the arteries in the legs—and also can help increase blood flow. The ginkgo leaf herb is also used to prevent muscle pains, cramping or degeneration, and has been used in connection with the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Health Benefits of Ginkgo Leaf
As already noted, the ginkgo leaf is believed to help patients who want to
- improve their circulation. Many people have trouble with narrowing arteries, poor blood flow, and cramps and aches caused by bad circulation. Taking Ginkgo leaf herb can assist in these problems by dilating the blood vessels and inhibiting the clumping of platelets in the blood.
- assist those who suffer from mental health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, panic attacks, depression, mood swings, loss of short term memory and ADD.
- assist in patients with impotence or erectile dysfunction
- It benefits vascoactivity in other areas of the body, ear problems such as vertigo, tinnitus, and travel sickness may also benefit from taking the herb.
Using Ginkgo Leaf as a Tea
Whilst it is possible to obtain packets of dried ginkgo leaf from health food stores and Chinese herbalists; it is also possible to pluck it yourself from a ginkgo tree, and dry it out in the sun We are lucky to have several gingko trees and have recently been using the leaves in tea making it in the same way as you would a normal cup of tea. Hugo often sweetens his tea with preferably raw honey in order to give a better flavour, to be effective for your health though, you need to have 2 or 3 cups every day.
Using Ginkgo Leaf as a Tincture
We have recently heard that the best way to take ginkgo leaf is by making it into a tincture. To do this, place around 150 grams of dried ginkgo leaf in a jar, and add 500 ml of vodka. Keep in a dark place for a month, shaking daily. After a month, strain the leaves, pressing all of the liquid from the ginkgo leaf. Store in a glass container and take one teaspoon a day.
Ref: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-use-ginkgo-leaf-for-health-benefits
