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What is Ginkgo Tea?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Ginkgo tea, which is also regularly referred to as "ginkgo bilboa tea," is a beverage that is made when dried leaves from the from the ginkgo tree are steeped in hot water. The tea can be consumed shortly after the leaves are added to the hot water or that tea can be cooled and served as a cold beverage. Many tea companies that sell ginkgo tea combines ginkgo leaves with a number of other herbs and teas in order to create a pleasing flavor and aroma. Also, it is quite common for such companies to advertise a number of health benefits of the tea on the package.
Although most of the health benefits of ginkgo tea have not been evaluated or confirmed by official Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sources, there are many people who believe that the tea does delivers on the promises printed on its package. Gingko tea, which is caffeine free unless it is blended with caffeinated tea leave such as green tea or white tea, is believed by may to support and improve one's mental abilities. Some companies that sell ginkgo tea advertise it as a tonic to help improve mental clarity and performance while also improving memory.
In most cases, ginkgo tea is brewed using one tea bag for each cup of boiling water. The tea bag or tea bags are steeped for ten to 15 minutes before they are removed from the water. If the tea drinker prefers a stronger brew, two bags can be used per cup of ginkgo tea. Some tea sellers indicate that, for boosted mental abilities, one cup of the tea should be consumed every three or four hours. As with all products that make claims that have not been confirmed by the FDA, it is important not to use them as a sole remedy for any ailments. All ailments and medical concerns should be discussed with a medical professional.
There are a number of herbs that are used to flavor ginkgo tea. Some of the most common herbs are peppermint leaf and spearmint leaf. Dried or powdered roots such as licorice root and ginger root are also common additions to ginkgo tea blends. Lemon grass, dried lemon peel, cinnamon bark, and basil leaf are also ingredients that may be found in brews that feature ginkgo leaves. In some cases, the blend will also include an extract of ginkgo leaves.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![Ginkgo tea.]()
By: Shariff Che'LahGinkgo tea. -
![For Ginkgo tea to reach it's full potential in aiding mental abilities, it must be consumed every 3-4 hours.]()
By: NataliTerrFor Ginkgo tea to reach it's full potential in aiding mental abilities, it must be consumed every 3-4 hours. -
![Ginger root is commonly added to ginkgo tea.]()
By: valery121283Ginger root is commonly added to ginkgo tea. -
![Licorice root may be used to make ginkgo tea.]()
By: Hayati KayhanLicorice root may be used to make ginkgo tea.
Discussion Comments
Turquoise I too have been harvesting Ginkgo. What I did was put the leaves in the oven on low until they where dry then crunched them up.
When I prepare it, I boil water, then let the crunched up leaves steep for 10 mins. I haven't added anything to the tea yet, because I do not mind the flavor, although I think I will try it with some cinnamon.
@turquoise-- I highly recommend that you add other things to the tea because it doesn't taste good. Some people don't mind it, but the flavor really puts me off.
Ginkgo has benefits, that's for sure. During the brief time I drank it, I did feel that it gave me a mental boost. I was able to concentrate better. But the flavor is just too strong for me and after about a week, I stopped drinking it.
Moreover, it is recommended that people have about two or three cups of this daily for the benefits. And the longer you drink it, the more effective it's supposed to be. The natural tea is definitely better for us health-wise, but I can only get myself to have the bottled iced teas with ginkgo and other herbs now.
@turquoise-- You can use ginkgo leaves both dry and fresh, it's really up to you. Just infuse it in hot water as you would with other teas.
The flavor is not bad, but it's not great either. It has a bland, herbal flavor. It's a lot better with some sugar or honey. You can definitely but other herbs in it to make the flavor better. Try having it plain first and then you can decide. You can also get it in tea bags with other herbs already included at the natural foods store.
Both mint and licorice root are good choices to add to ginkgo tea. Mint makes it more drinkable and licorice root makes it slightly sweet, in case you don't want to add sugar to your tea.
Ginkgo herbal tea is wonderful though, it really works! It's a great stimulant, refreshing, improves memory and gives energy. It's also caffeine free but has a similar effect. I've replaced my morning coffee with ginkgo tea!
I have a ginkgo biloba tree in my backyard and I've been wondering for a while if I can make tea from the leaves. I'm sure I can, but what's the best way? Should I pick them and use them fresh as I need it, or should I dry them first?
I've never had ginkgo biloba tea by itself before. I usually buy the bottled variety that's mixed with other teas and sugar. Those are good but cost a lot if I drink one or two everyday. And I'm sure nothing can be as natural or beneficial as homemade tea.
How do the ginkgo leaves tastes on their own? Do I need to mix it with other teas and herbs to make it drinkable? I would love to hear your suggestions!
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