Herbal Info

Ginkgo

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)
Other names: Maidenhair tree, kew tree, bai guo, silver apricot
Growing ginkgo: Ginkgo is a tree which can take up to 30 years to reach maturity. However once planted it is very easy to take care of. It is best purchased as a young tree from a nursery and planted in a sunny position in late Spring. It will grow easily in even very poor or polluted soils and a dry environment.

The ginkgo tree is a very hardy plant. An individual tree can live thousands of years, and there are many 1000–2000 year old plants in China. Archeologists have found fossilized ginkgo trees dating back 200 million years, which shows that it survived through the ice age.

Ginkgo is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, in which it is used to rectify deficient kidney yin and deficient lung qi. Deficient kidney yin exhibits as insomnia, dry throat, back pains, tinnitus, while deficient lung qi manifests as allergies, asthma and general weakness. It has come into mainstream Western usage in recent times, mainly for its effect on the mind – it can ease depression and boost the memory.

Healing uses:
The most effective and simplest way of taking ginkgo is as a tincture. To make a tincture, place 150g of dried ginkgo leaves or 400g of fresh ginkgo leaves in a jar and cover with 500ml of vodka. Cover and store in a dark place for 4 weeks, shaking the jar daily. After 4 weeks, strain the mixture, pressing all liquid from the ginkgo. Stored in a glass bottle, this will keep for up to a year. For those who wish to avoid consuming alcohol, ginkgo tea is very simple to make. Simply add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of dried ginkgo or 1 tablespoon of fresh ginkgo. Allow to stand for several minutes, then sweeten as desired. The disadvantage to taking ginkgo in tea form is that the required dosage is much higher – 2–3 cups per day, rather than the 1–3 teaspoons of tincture. Alternatively, ginkgo capsules are available from health stores.

A teaspoon of tincture or 1 capsule of ginkgo each day will improve general well–being, aid mental alertness and promote longevity. Those who suffer from frequent leg–cramp will benefit from regularly taking ginkgo, as it improves blood flow.

Ginkgo has been shown to inhibit the chemical which causes asthma attacks. It also works as an anti–inflammatory to alleviate the swelling of bronchial linings, which is what impedes breathing during an asthma attack. It can be taken as a preventative in a dose of 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1 cup of tea three times daily. Alternatively, a concentrated dose of 10 teaspoons of tincture can be taken at the first sign of an attack.

In combination with an improved lifestyle, ginkgo can ease hypertension, or high blood pressure. It dilates blood vessels so blood can flow more easily and thins the blood so it doesn’t clot on the fatty deposits in the veins. Taking 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1 cup of tea three times a day before meals will help, but fatty food, alcohol and tobacco must be eliminated from one’s lifestyle to have a real effect on hypertension.

While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, studies have shown ginkgo can slow the onset of the disease and reduce the severity of the symptoms. A dosage of 2 teaspoons of tincture or 2 capsules three times daily will improve the patient’s condition in a matter of weeks.

Taking a large dose of ginkgo at the onset of a migraine will increase blood flow to the brain and can nip the migraine in the bud. 10 teaspoons of tincture or 10 capsules are recommended. For those who suffer from migraines regularly, taking the standard dose of 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1 cup of tea three times daily can prevent migraines appearing.

Cautions:
Haemophiliacs should never take ginkgo, as its blood thinning properties are potentially very dangerous for people suffering from this condition. Similarly, individuals taking anti–coagulant medication should avoid ginkgo.

Some people may experience headaches, stomach upset or dizziness while taking gingko. These effects are not serious and should pass fairly quickly.

Other uses:
Ginkgo can maximize the benefit of studying for tests and exams. A high dose of about 6–10 teaspoons of liquid extract before a study can greatly aid memory and concentration. Such dosages should only ever be taken temporarily, however, preferably continuing for no more than a week at a time.

Excerpts from article about Ginkgo in HerbalGram, No. 67.