Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links | Bibliography
Scientific Names
- Ginkgo Biloba L.
- Coniferales
- Ginkgoaceae
- Ginkgo family
Common Names
- Ginkgo nut
- Maidenhair Tree
- Yin-hsing (Chinese name)
Parts Usually Used
Leaves, nuts (seeds)
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
The ginkgo is a large, picturesque tree that grows up to
Although the ginkgo will grow in most situations, it does best in full sun and very well-drained soil, with moisture supplied throughout the growing season. Purchase well-branched male plants, making sure that the tree is not potbound. Set out in the fall or early spring, keeping weeds away from the small seedlings. The ginkgo is hardy in the North.
Variations: Aurea has yellow leaves; variegata has yellow and green.
Another variety: The Chinese grow a ginkgo tree that is
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Where Found
Native to China and Japan and closely related to conifers. Cultivated in the United States.
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Medicinal Properties
Seeds: astringent, expectorant, sedative, antitussive, anti-fungal, antibacterial
Leaves: relax blood vessels, circulatory stimulant
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Biochemical Information
Ginkgolides and heterosides, volatile oil tannins, resin
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Legends, Myths and Stories
The Ginkgo is a “living fossil”, the only surviving species of the large order that existed alongside the dinosaurs and was long believed to be extinct.
The name “Ginko” comes from the Chinese, meaning “silver fruit” or “white nuts.” Grows abundantly south of the Yangtse and in regions of the Far East, cultivated in the United States and Europe.
Chinese herbalists have used ginkgo biloba for over 5,000 years. It is said the trees date back as long ago as
Studies show that this herb is an antioxidant, meaning it slows the formation of compounds called free radicals which are believed to be the cause of premature aging, cancer, and other conditions.
A professor of chemistry at Harvard University,
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Uses
Ginkgo biloba expels mucus from bronchioles and lungs, stops wheezing, inhibits cough, stops leucorrhea, regulates urination, stops spermatorrhea. The ripe fruit, having been macerated in sesame oil for
vascular circulation to the brain for the treatment of dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.
Improves memory loss, brain function, cerebral and peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and blood flow. Relieves signs of senility, phlebitis, depression. Good for vertigo and tinnitus, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, allergies, coughs, colds, flu, inflammations, hemorrhoids, positive effect on the vascular system, increases blood flow to the brain and lower extremities, heart and kidney disorders, and glucose utilization.
The seed is considered a delicacy in Japan; it is used in steamed egg custard. Ginkgo is also used in medicines for the respiratory. Researchers are testing it with elderly people to see if it improves strength and mental acuity.
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Formulas or Dosages
Since the nuts are slightly toxic, they should NOT be taken in large doses over a long period of time. The shells are an antidote to the nuts and may be taken with them to help alleviate side-effects. Toxic symptoms include headache, fever, tremors, irritability, and dyspnea (difficult breathing).
Licorice also may be used antidotally if the fruits are used.
Dosage is 3-9 gms. (less if fresh)
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How Sold
Capsules, tablets, or tincture
Tablets: take 40 mg. capsules or tablets
Extract of the leaves or a tea made from the leaves are safe to take for long periods without problems. Maximum daily doses should be approximately
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Warning
Mildly toxic. Long-term use is believed to be safe. No known serious side effects have been reported. However, do not exceed recommended doses, this may lead to temporary skin disorders and headaches. Cases of contact dermatitis with the fruit pulp, which is not used medicinally, have been recorded.
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Resource Links
LiveStrong.com: Ginkgo Leaf Benefits
LiveStrong.com: Ginkgo Biloba & Hypertension
LiveStrong.com: Ginko Biloba & Appetite
LiveStrong.com: Ginko Biloba Safety
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginkgo
University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginkgo
US National Library of Medicine: Ginkgo
PubMed.gov: Potential of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves in the management of hyperglycemia and hypertension
PubMed.gov: An update on drug interactions with the herbal medicine Ginkgo biloba.
Bibliography
The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists
The Complete Medicinal Herbal
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible
Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements
Planetary Herbology
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
A Useful Guide to Herbal Health Care
