Trees with Healing Powers: Ginkgo to Horse Chestnut

Origin: Whoever talks about elephant ear or duck foot tree means the ginkgo tree, native to China and Japan. It belongs to both coniferous and deciduous trees, given the particular nature of its leaves. Ginkgo trees seem indestructible, having existed a good 300 million years ago. The first sprouting green in Hiroshima after the atomic bombing in 1945 was a ginkgo tree.
Effect: The ingredients of the dried leaves improve the flow properties of the blood and thus promote blood circulation. In addition, ginkgo stabilizes and protects nerve cells in the brain, which can improve their survival and performance.

Preparations: tablets, drops, solutions.

Fields of application: Reduced brain performance, circulatory disorders of the legs, tinnitus.

Caution: In case of simultaneous intake of blood-thinning medications.

Tip: A therapeutic effect occurs after six weeks at the earliest; therefore, take the preparation for a sufficiently long time, but not as a permanent medication.

Lapacho – strengthens the immune system

Origin: In the rainforests of South and Central America, the lapacho tree grows up to 35 meters high and bears lush, bell-shaped red or yellow flowers from May to summer. The Indians call it the tree of life.

Effect: Even the Incas made an aromatic medicinal tea from the bark of the tree, which was supposed to protect them from diseases. Today, only the inner bark is used, which mainly contains the anti-inflammatory and immune-strengthening beta-lapachone. While the healing properties of lapacho bark are still largely unknown in Germany, it enjoys great popularity in the North of America.

Preparations: tea, capsules, powder, extract.

Fields of application: Colds, susceptibility to infections, inflamed skin.

Caution: Do not take during pregnancy.

Tip: Store the tea in a dark and dry place, so it will keep for several years.

Linden – protects against colds

Origin: the stately, up to 25 meters high summer and winter linden trees with their dense crowns are widespread in Central Europe. People dance under the lime tree and it provides shade in beer gardens. The whitish flower umbels not only attract bees in early summer, but also beguile people with their sweet fragrance.

Effect: A tasty tea is made from the dried flowers, which provides relief especially for feverish colds with a dry, irritating cough. The flowers contain mainly mucilage, but also yellow pigments called flavonoids, essential oils and tannins. The ingredients are said to kill bacteria and support the immune system.

Preparations: teas, candies, bath additive.

Indications: Feverish colds with irritating cough.

Tip: Drink a cup of lime blossom tea regularly during the damp and cold season to protect against colds. To stimulate sweat production, take 2 to 3 teaspoons of lime blossom per cup.

Horse chestnut – good for the legs

Origin: native to the mountains of Greece, horse chestnut is now also found in our country. With its five- to seven-fingered leaves and a dense foliage crown, it is an imposing sight. In contrast to the sweet chestnut, the fruits of the horse chestnut are not edible for humans; at most, they serve as fodder for some stable and wild animals.

Action: medicines are obtained from the dried fruits of horse chestnut, which contain as the leading active substance aescin. This substance prevents inflammation, promotes blood flow and stabilizes the vascular walls so that no fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue. Therefore, horse chestnut preparations are often used for swollen legs.

Preparations: ointments, tablets, dragées, tinctures, bath additive, shampoo.

Fields of application: Varicose veins, calf cramps, pain and heaviness in the legs.

Caution: Do not use on children under twelve years of age.

Tip: Preparations for swallowing should be taken during a meal.