Gingko Biloba: Symbolism and Benefits

“This leaf from a tree in the East,
Has been given to my garden.
It reveals a certain secret,
Which pleases me and thoughtful people.”
— Translated from an ode called Ginkgo Biloba by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Once in a while, something is valued for its courage to survive.

Gingko Biloba is one of those things

As one of the oldest (like two million years old) living tree species known, and an individual lifespan to exceed a millennium, the gingko tree is admired for its resilience, longevity and adaptability. What’s its secret? Scientists have found that it produces anti-oxidants, antimicrobials and plant hormones that help it resist being affected by disease, drought, and other environmental factors; further, it doesn’t appear to have a natural aging timeline that switches on at a certain point in maturity. Wow! As a 40-something, I feel a twinge of jealousy over a tree that doesn’t see the other side of “the hill”. :)

Ginkgo Symbolism | Ginkgo Health Benefits | Ginkgo Tea Recipes

Ginkgo biloba for longevity, resilience, and balance.

Symbolism of Ginkgo Biloba: Longevity, Resilience, and Balance

What does the gingko tree symbolize?

With its gorgeous, fan-shaped leaves that change to a vibrant yellow in the fall, the ginkgo biloba tree is rich in symbolism and has been used in art and literature throughout history. The symbolism of ginkgo biloba tends to vary depending on the cultural context and interpretation. However, it is generally seen as a symbol of:

  • STRENGTH

  • LONGETIVITY

  • ENDURANCE

  • RESILIENCE

  • BALANCE

  • HARMONY

Here are a few common interpretations of the symbolism of ginkgo biloba:

  1. Longevity and resilience: As one of the oldest tree species in the world, dating back over 200 million years, it is often seen as a symbol of longevity, resilience, and endurance.

  2. Hope and resilience: The ginkgo tree is one of the few species that survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, Japan during World War II. In this context, it is often seen as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

  3. Balance and harmony: The ginkgo tree has a unique fan-shaped leaf that is often seen as a symbol of balance and harmony. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo biloba is believed to help balance the body's energy and promote overall health and well-being.

Some ideas for incorporating ginkgo symbolism into ceremony are to create decorations: dry and preserve the leaves for wreaths, bouquets, and other arrangements that may be used for weddings or funerals. Planting a ginkgo tree can serve as a living connection to nature and reminder of environmental sustainability and can also be used as a focal point for meditation or reflection. Ginkgo can also be infused and ingested as tea.

What are the health benefits of ginkgo tea?

Ginkgo is commonly used to support cognitive function and circulation, as well as treat PMS, anxiety and depression. Perhaps the most beneficial make-up of ginkgo are flavonoids (which have powerful antioxidant qualities), and also terpenoids (which dilate blood vessels and reduce the stickiness of platelets, leading to improved circulation).

For the mind, ginkgo may help improve memory, attention span, and processing speed (thus improving overall cognitive performance).

For the blood, ginkgo may help improve blood flow and circulation (thus improving heart health).

For mental health and mood enhancement, ginkgo may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (potentially due to its ability to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain).

It's worth noting that while it’s deemed to be safe for most people in moderation, more research is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits if ginkgo biloba and to determine safe and effective dosages for different individuals. As with any supplement, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting to take ginkgo biloba to ensure that it's safe for you and won't interact with any medications or health conditions you may have.

Ginkgo biloba for memory, circulation and anxiety.

Benefits of ginkgo biloba may include improved circulation and cognition. It has also been used to treat PMS, anxiety, and depression.

Herbal Tea Recipes using Ginkgo Biloba

Simmering herbs in water to extract their beneficial properties is commonly referred to as making an herbal infusion or decoction — the simmering process allows herbs to release their beneficial properties and create a potent and flavorful tea. An herbal infusion is made by steeping herbs in hot water, usually for about 5-10 minutes. This method is commonly used for delicate, leafy herbs. A decoction is made by boiling harder, denser plant parts like roots, bark, or seeds, in water for a longer period of time, usually 20-30 minutes.

Here are three herbal tea recipes using ginkgo:

Ginkgo TEA BLEND: Anxiety-Reducing INFUSION

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp dried ginkgo biloba leaves

  • 1 tsp dried lavender flowers

  • 1 tsp dried lemon balm leaves

  • 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, bring four cups of water to a boil and add herbs to the pot.

  2. Reduce the heat and simmer for ten minutes.

  3. Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

  4. Sweeten with honey or stevia if desired.

  5. Enjoy the tea warm or chilled throughout the day as needed to help reduce anxiety.

Ginkgo Tea BLEND: Cognitive Functioning INFUSION

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried ginkgo biloba leaves

  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary leaves

  • 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves

  • 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves

Instructions:

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot and add herbs to the pot.

  2. Reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes.

  3. Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

  4. Sweeten with honey or stevia if desired.

  5. Enjoy the tea warm or chilled throughout the day as needed to help improve cognitive functioning.

Ginkgo Tea BLEND: circulation support DECOCTION

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried ginger root

  • 1 tablespoon dried ginkgo biloba leaves

  • 1 tablespoon dried hawthorn berries

Instructions:

  1. Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil in a small pot and add the ginger root, ginkgo biloba leaves, and hawthorn berries to the boiling water.

  2. Reduce the heat to low and let the herbs steep for 20 minutes.

  3. Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

  4. Sweeten with honey or stevia if desired.

  5. Enjoy the tea warm or chilled throughout the day as needed to help improve circulation and blood flow.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, cognitive decline, or circulatory issues, it's important to seek professional medical advice.