Ekoplanet Ginkgo biloba leaves - 100 g

Ginkgo biloba occurrence

Ginkgo biloba is a beautiful, tall and graceful tree. The tree probably got its name because ginkgo originally grew in China and often outside temples.

Ginkgo biloba is the oldest tree species in the world and is approx. 200 million years old. The tree becomes a fully mature tree at 20-30 years of age and begins to bear seeds at 30-40 years. The ginkgo leaves have a beautiful heart shape and are green in spring and summer, while in autumn the ginkgo changes color to bright sunny yellow.

What is ginkgo biloba good for?

The ginkgo tree is sacred in the Buddhist faith. Its leaves have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is from the green leaves that the extract used in medicine and in health food products is extracted. Ginkgo biloba extract has been available for commercial use since 1974, when it was approved for human use.

In modern medicine, ginkgo biloba is approved as a natural remedy and the herb is claimed to be able to improve memory and blood circulation, among other things. Ginkgo biloba leaves contain a number of different substances, the largest groups of substances are ginkgolides, bilobalides, terpenes and flavonoids. The active substances found in ginkgo biloba are used for the manufacture of skin care and face care.

Flavonoids and terpenes are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals and ultraviolet radiation. In addition, they inhibit the action of enzymes that cause the breakdown of collagen fibers and loss of skin elasticity. This is why ginkgo biloba is often used in anti-aging creams.

Contraindications and side effects

Only used as a decoction for herbal teas.

Ginkgo biloba is not recommended for people with blood coagulation disorders, when taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin and heparin, because they prolong bleeding time, and when taking anticonvulsants. Pregnant, nursing mothers as well as children should also avoid this herb.

Ginkgo biloba has no strong side effects and is considered a generally safe herb. Always follow the recommended daily intake to avoid possible side effects. At too high doses, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness may occur.