Ginkgo Biloba Tea Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Brew It

Ginkgo biloba tea is made from the leaves of one of the oldest tree species on Earth, used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Modern research has focused mostly on its effects on blood flow — here's what's actually supported, and what to watch out for.

What Is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China, with distinctive fan-shaped leaves rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, compounds associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Both the leaves and seeds have a long history of use in traditional medicine, though most modern research focuses on standardized leaf extracts rather than tea.

Potential Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba Tea

Research on ginkgo is mixed, and NCCIH states there is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo is helpful for any health condition, so treat the following as areas of ongoing research rather than established benefits:

• Circulation. Ginkgo has long been studied for its effects on peripheral blood flow, with some studies showing modest improvements, though NCCIH notes ginkgo has not been shown to help prevent heart disease or treat high blood pressure.
• Memory and focus. Large studies have found that ginkgo extract does not reduce the risk of dementia in older adults, and evidence for meaningful memory or focus benefits in healthy people is inconsistent and not conclusive.
• Mood. NCCIH notes only a small amount of evidence suggesting a possible benefit for anxiety when ginkgo is taken alongside standard care, and describes the overall evidence as inconclusive; broader "mood" benefits aren't well supported.
• General antioxidant support. Like many plant extracts, ginkgo leaves contain antioxidants that may help offset everyday oxidative stress, though this hasn't been shown to translate into a specific health benefit.

Ginkgo is not a proven treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's, anxiety, or any other diagnosed medical condition, and it should never replace medical care.

Side Effects and Who Should Avoid It

• Not recommended during pregnancy, since it may cause early labor or extra bleeding during delivery; avoid while breastfeeding too, since safety hasn't been established.
• Not recommended for children under 5.
• Can cause stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, or allergic reactions in some people.
• Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood-thinning medication such as warfarin, or have an upcoming surgery — ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Talk to your doctor if you have a history of seizures, since ginkgo can increase seizure risk, especially combined with certain medications.
• Talk to your doctor before use if you take any prescription medication, as ginkgo can interact with several common drugs.

How to Make Ginkgo Biloba Tea

Ginkgo biloba is most commonly consumed as a leaf infusion.

1. Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat.
2. Add dried ginkgo leaves (start with about a teaspoon per cup) and cover.
3. Let steep for 4–6 minutes.
4. Strain and enjoy. You can blend it with other herbal teas to soften the flavor.

FAQ

Is ginkgo biloba tea safe to drink every day?

For most healthy adults, moderate use is generally considered safe, but check with your doctor first if you're on medication, pregnant, or managing a health condition.

Does ginkgo biloba tea really improve memory?

The evidence is inconsistent: large studies haven't found that ginkgo reduces dementia risk, and NCCIH considers the evidence for memory benefits in healthy people inconclusive. It's not a substitute for medical treatment of memory disorders.

Can I mix ginkgo biloba with other herbal teas?

Yes, it blends well with milder herbal teas to balance its flavor.

The Bottom Line

Ginkgo biloba tea has a long history of traditional use, and some research has looked at its effects on circulation, but the evidence is inconclusive and it isn't a proven treatment for any disease. Check with your doctor before adding it to your routine, especially if you're pregnant, on medication, have a bleeding disorder, or have a history of seizures.

For more herbal options, see our guides to teas for concentration, teas for blood circulation, and herbal teas and blood pressure.