The gingko tree, also known as Maidenhair Tree and Bai Guo (Chinese) is recognized as one of the oldest trees in the world. A unique feature of the Gingko is that it only blooms at night, and then sheds the new blossoms immediately. The Gingko tree has been long used as medicine in its native China. However, its therapeutic actions have been researched more recently. In the 1960's extensive research established that gingko improves poor cerebral circulation, memory, and concentration. Moreover, several trials found that it was useful in treating Alzheimer's, dementia, depression, and glaucoma. The gingko is also of value for asthma and other allergic problems.
History & Folklore
Thought to be the oldest tree on the planet, the Ginkgo has been around for over 190 million years. Because the tree is as old as the dinosaurs, and has undergone little to no change in its lifetime, it has been called a living fossil. The resilience and antiquity of the Gingko did not go unnoticed. Instead it became a symbol of strength, hope, and peace for many. An excellent depiction of the symbol of this tree takes place in Hiroshima, Japan at the detonation site of the nuclear bomb. Even though scientists predicted that nothing would be able to grow in the area for at least 75 years, the Ginkgo tree defied the odds, survived, then thrived. Reinforcing its reputation as a symbol of strength, hope, and peace.
Habitat & Cultivation
Once native to China, Ginkgo trees are now grown in large-scale plantations in China, France, and the United States. Ginkgo trees are deciduous trees with one or several main trunks and spreading branches. It produces green to yellow fan-shaped leaves, round fruits, and will grow to be 100 feet tall! The key parts used of the plant are harvested in autumn.
Uses
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Western Herbal Medicine
Parts used
Leaves used fresh or dry; to improve circulation; used to make tinctures, tables, and fluid extract
Seeds prescribed by the Chinese for urinary problems and wheezing; the husk of the seed is removed before use
Key Actions
Circulatory Tonic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-asthmatic
Anti-allergenic
Antispasmodic
Constituents
Flavnoids
Ginkgolides
Bilobalides
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 100.
No Remedies found containing Ginkgo
Products with Ginkgo
No reviews found for Ginkgo
Help others by leaving a review
Share your experience with this herb to help other people