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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Ginkgo
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedLeaves, nuts (seeds) Description of Plant(s) and CultureThe
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 Where FoundNative to China and Japan and closely related to conifers. Cultivated
in the United States. Medicinal PropertiesSeeds: astringent, expectorant, sedative, antitussive, anti-fungal, antibacterial Leaves: relax blood vessels, circulatory stimulant Biochemical InformationGinkgolides and heterosides, volatile oil tannins, resin Legends, Myths and StoriesThe 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, UsesGinkgo 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 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. Formulas or DosagesSince 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) How SoldCapsules, 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 WarningMildly 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.
Resource LinksLiveStrong.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
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
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Ginkgo
nut
The Nature Doctor
, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991
, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.