This warming, nutty-flavored tea is a traditional tonic designed to support the vascular health of the head and neck, ensuring the ears receive the nourishment they need.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dried Ginkgo Biloba Leaf: Renowned for its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and the extremities, including the small vessels of the inner ear.
- 1 teaspoon Black Sesame Seeds (lightly toasted and crushed): In traditional Eastern wellness, black sesame is believed to “tonify the kidneys,” which are symbolically and energetically linked to ear health.
- 1/2 inch Fresh Ginger Root (sliced): Helps to “warm” the blood and promote peripheral circulation.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Chrysanthemum Flowers: Traditionally used to clear “heat” from the head and soothe the ringing sensations in the ears.
- 500ml Water (approximately 2 cups).
Instructions
- Toast and Crush the Seeds: Lightly toast the black sesame seeds in a dry pan until they pop. Crush them gently with a spoon to release their oils. This is a vital step for the absorption of their minerals.
- Simmer the Ginger and Seeds: Place the crushed sesame seeds and ginger in a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the Leaves and Flowers: Turn off the heat and add the ginkgo biloba and chrysanthemum flowers.
- Steep: Cover the pot tightly to prevent the steam from escaping. Let it steep for 10–12 minutes.
- Strain and Serve: Pour through a fine strainer into your mug.
- Usage: Drink one cup in the morning. Traditional wisdom suggests that supporting the ears is most effective when the body’s energy is rising at the start of the day.
Benefits and Target Impact
Enhancing Micro-Circulation The inner ear contains some of the smallest blood vessels in the human body. As we age, these vessels can become constricted. Ginkgo biloba contains specific terpenoids that help dilate these tiny “pipes,” ensuring that the hair cells in the cochlea—which are responsible for translating sound into signals for the brain—stay healthy and vibrant.
Reducing “Wind” and Internal Noise In many traditional systems, ringing in the ears is viewed as “internal wind.” The grounding nature of toasted sesame seeds and the clearing properties of chrysanthemum help to stabilize the nervous system’s response to auditory signals, which can help reduce the perception of phantom noises or high-pitched ringing.
Protecting Against Oxidative Stress The auditory nerves are highly sensitive to oxidative damage. The high antioxidant content in this herbal blend acts as a shield for the delicate neural pathways of the ear, helping to maintain the sharpness of sound and preventing the “cloudy” hearing that many older adults experience.
