Notes from the Brewroom

Memory, time and Ginkgo biloba

Ann King

Known as the Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a ‘living fossil’— one of the world’s oldest living tree species. Ginkgo leaves contain ginkgolides which are reputed to improve the circulation of blood to the brain, helping with cognitive function. Traditionally, the nuts have been associated with memory enhancement, but recent studies have concentrated on the therapeutic components found in the leaf. After the ravages of Covid, and as we slow down with ageing— and especially during those periods of brain fog that occur during the menopause —it makes sense to gather our strength from a beautiful tree with a proven track record of withstanding the tests of time.

The parts of the Ginkgo we will use this month are the leaves. To boost their therapeutic action, we favour Hawthorn berries (Crataegus monogyna). With the gradual ageing of the body mechanisms over time, the heart needs as much support as possible to keep pumping blood to all our extremities and, in particular, keeping blood circulating to those parts of the brain that help with cognitive function and memory. This wonderful red berry is food for the older heart— a tonic and vasodilator helping to support weak heart muscles and prevent arteriosclerosis. It becomes a vital part of our brew, reminding us to care for the life source. The third addition to our blend is a longstanding personal favourite: Tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum). Also known as Holy Basil, it is revered in Ayurvedic remedies and is a sacred plant in the Hindu religion. Not only does it impart a delicate sweetness and uplifting scent to the mix, but its adaptogenic, neuroprotective and cardiovascular tonic properties provide a solid base for our infusion. To promote clarity and to diminish the brain fog which occurs from time to time, we developed an infusion which is simple, fresh and packed with energetic notes and vibrations.

‘Unveiling Time’ Infusion

1tsp Ginkgo leaf

1tsp Holy Basil leaf

2tsp Hawthorn berries

Gently decoct the Hawthorn berries for 15 minutes. Put the Ginkgo and Holy Basil into your teapot and pour over the strained decoction, then leave to brew for approximately 10 minutes. This will extract the beneficial components and create a more rounded blend.

‘Lifting Mists’ Diffuser Blend

In the Brew Room, we like to develop both an internal and external product to suggest a holistic approach. For many months now, Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) has been permeating our workspace to cleanse the air and aid concentration. If you have a diffuser, then a few drops of that single essential oil will work wonders. To create a rounded blend for longer bouts of focus, we like to add Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) to the mix. Lemon Balm, that fresh nervine, has a long history of use for strengthening the brain; Rosemary aids cognitive function and acts as a stimulant for the circulatory system; and Clary Sage soothes and balances the emotions, enabling us to better concentrate on the task in hand.

Further Reading: Sampath, S., Mahapatra, S.C., Padhi, M. M., Sharma, R. & Talwar, A. (2015) ‘Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum Linn.) Leaf Extract Enhances Specific Cognitive Parameters in Healthy Adult Volunteers: A Placebo Controlled Study’ in Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 59:1, 69–77 Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007) Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press: Rochester

Disclaimer: No recipes are intended to replace medical advice and the reader should seek the guidance of their doctor for all health matters. The profiles and recipes are intended for information purposes only and have not been tested or evaluated. Ann King is not making any claims regarding their efficacy and the reader is responsible for ensuring that any replications or adaptations of the recipes that they produce are safe to use and comply with cosmetic regulations where applicable.