Ginkgo

Parts Usually Used

Leaves, nuts (seeds)

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

The ginkgo is a large, picturesque tree that grows up to 100 feet, with attractive fan-shaped and bright green slightly ruffles leaves. Seeds are yellow. It is often planted as a street tree, because it is not fussy about growing conditions and is virtually pest and disease free. Mostly male trees are planted; the female trees produce a yellowish fruit that emits a fetid odor after it ripens and drops.

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 20-39 feet high, grows south of the Yangtse (Salisburia Adiantifolia) that they call Yin-hsing.

Where Found

Native to China and Japan and closely related to conifers. Cultivated in the United States.

Medicinal Properties

Seeds: astringent, expectorant, sedative, antitussive, anti-fungal, antibacterial Leaves: relax blood vessels, circulatory stimulant

Biochemical Information

Ginkgolides and heterosides, volatile oil tannins, resin

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. ” 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 200 million years and we are just now beginning to understand its medicinal value.

The wild trees are probably extinct now for centuries. One of the most researched herbs, a great deal of the research is being done in France and other European countries where it is commonly prescribed. 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, Dr. Elias J. Corey, in 1988 synthesized a ginkgo compound called ginkgolide B. This new compound is being investigated as a potential drug to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.

Uses

Historical herbal traditions utilized Ginkgo biloba for a variety of respiratory complaints, attributing to it the ability to clear mucus, ease breathing, and suppress coughs. Practitioners historically administered it for urinary regulation, leucorrhea, and spermatorrhea. Herbalists also recommended the plant for vascular and circulatory concerns, believing that leaf extracts supported cerebral and peripheral blood flow, memory, and cognitive function in older adults.

Traditional sources similarly noted its application for vertigo, tinnitus, phlebitis, hemorrhoids, allergies, and general inflammation. In Japanese culinary tradition, the seed was prepared as a delicacy and incorporated into dishes such as steamed egg custard.

How Sold

Extract of the leaves or a tea made from the leaves are safe to take for long periods without problems.

Bibliography

The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , West Nyack, NY, 1987. , Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 Chinese Medicinal Herbs , compiled by Shih-Chen Li, Georgetown Press, San Francisco, California, 1973.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements , by James F. D. and Phyllis A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Special Sale Catalog, 1996