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| leaves as they change from green to yellow in the fall. They consist of flavonoid glycosides and gink-golides, both of which prevent inflammation and blood clotting. In most extraction processes, dried ginkgo leaves are ground and mixed with organic solvents that release their chemical compounds. The blend is heated and the process repeated several times before further refining, which results in an extract with a 24 percent concentration of flavonoids, believed by European pharmaceutical researchers to be the optimum therapeutic concentration. However, whole ginkgo leaves remain a popular ingredient in medicinal tea and tincture blends for which herbalists report good results and few side effects. |
| Because it interferes with blood clotting, ginkgo should not be taken by those with clotting disorders. Some users, after taking extremely large amounts, have reported restlessness, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. The recommended dosages are considered nontoxic. |
| Most experts agree that ginkgo preparations have to be taken consistently for two to four months before significant results are noticed. Gingko leaves are often mixed with gotu kola, another memory-enhancing herb, in tea blends, tinctures and memory tonics. The medicinal constituents of ginkgo do not dissolve readily in water, which is why, unlike most leaves, they should be boiled as a decoction. To brew a memory tonic tea containing equal parts of ginkgo, gotu kola and the culinary herb rosemary, first simmer 1 tsp. ginkgo in 2 cups water for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat, add 1 tsp. each of gotu kola and rosemary, cover and let stand an additional 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 4 cups daily. |
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