Ginkgo Biloba Benefits Harvest Your Own Ginkgo Biloba Leaf!
Ginkgo Biloba benefits can not be underestimated as a powerful mind and memory enhancer. The Ginkgo tree itself is one of oldest tree species, living as long as 1,000 years!
I don't know about you, but this is reason enough for me to want to use it as "plant medicine" for my own stamina and longevity.
It has been proven scientifically to increase blood flow to the brain, which naturally stimulates clear thinking and mental focus. For this reason, we include it in our top herbal stimulants that can be blended with other herbal tea recipes. Ginkgo Biloba benefits provide:
Memory enhancement
Upliftment of the spirit
Eye strength
Improved circulation
For optimal results, taking a Ginkgo leaf extract (over a period of time) is the most effective approach. This is a concentration of many Ginkgo leaves, which ensures maximum potency.
It can be used however, with some medicinal properties still intact, as a nice cup of tea. It is one of my favorite herbs to use synergistically in herbal tea alchemy to promote the affects of other tonics and herbal medicines. It is the perfect herbal tea ingredient for the elderly who want the benefits of improved cognitive and circulatory function.
Another known benefit of the Ginkgo Biloba leaf is it's high amount of antioxidants, which also promote protection for the cardiovascular network and central nervous system.
Scientific research attributes Ginkgo Biloba benefits and medicinal qualities to flavone glycosides and terpene lactones that are the active constituents. Both of these provide an increase in blood circulation and stimulate antioxidant effects. This also prohibits platelet stickiness, decreasing such conditions as atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Ginkgo Biloba Benefits From Leaf To Tea!
There is nothing like harvesting your own fresh leaves from the Ginkgo Biloba tree. And just recently, we came across a beautiful specimen that was ripe for "the picking."
If you have never seen a Ginkgo tree, they are quite distinct. The leaves grow off the branch in such a way that it can be identified from a distance away. To me, it has a kind of magical look to it that shimmers in the wind.
The fan shaped green leaf of the Ginkgo is slightly circular at one end with irregular edging. It has a long thin stem that attaches itself to the branch, with lines moving in a vertical direction.
It is best to harvest in the late spring/early summer when the leaves are younger, green and vibrant. They start to turn yellow in late summer/fall, and are less potent.
This is when Ginkgo Biloba benefits are at their prime. Herbal companies make medicinal extracts from this leaves at this stage of growth.
To Harvest
Harvesting the leaf is pretty easy because of the nature of how it grows. I simply pull down the flexible branches and collect the best looking leaves I can find, pulling them off with a backward hand movement.
It is important, when wildcrafting wild plants, to gather in a way in which you do not leave any visible damage. I make sure to collect a few from different areas, NEVER harvesting the entire branch or even close to it.
As with harvesting any wild greens or wild edible plant, you must be sure you are picking the exact variety. Ginkgo is a fairly easy one to identify, once you get to know it's shape.
It is often planted in city sideways for it's ability to absorb pollution from the air. So, the one important thing you must remember when harvesting Ginkgo, is to be sure it is away from any major automotive exhaust or large amounts of air pollutants. This will provide you will nice, clean leaves to maximize Ginkgo Biloba benefits.
This beautiful Ginkgo tree was found in a natural park location. I was very excited to find it's low growing branches extending down for me to harvest.
I recommend drinking a tea made just from the leaves to start. This way you get to know it's taste and affects before you blend it with other herbs. There is nothing quite like drinking a cup of fresh tea to get some of the unique Ginkgo Biloba benefits.
