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Herbs > Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)
Also called the Maidenhair tree, kew tree, bai guo or silver apricot, 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.
The ginkgo tree is very hardy
and an individual tree can live thousands of
years, with many 1000-2000 year old ginkgo trees
in China. Archeologists have found fossilized ginkgo
trees dating back 200 million years, which shows that
it survived through the various ice ages.
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.
Tinnitus is characterised by a
ringing, buzzing or humming in one or both ears when
no such noise is present. This can be very annoying,
and can impair the hearing. Ginkgo eases tinnitus by
improving blood circulation and nerve connections in
the area. Take 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1
cup of tea three times a day. It should be noted that
tinnitus is usually a symptom of a more serious
condition. Anyone suffering from this should consult
a health professional.
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.
The anti-inflammatory quality
of ginkgo can help to shrink haemorrhoids. Swabbing
the area with ginkgo tea three times daily will
reduce the swelling. It is also beneficial to take
ginkgo internally for this condition at a dosage of
1-2 teaspoons of tincture, 2 capsules or 1 cup of tea
three times daily.
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.
Culinary:
Ginkgo seeds or Ginkgo nuts are considered a delicacy in
China and other Asian countries. They must be roasted or boiled
before eating the nutlike meat inside the seeds. Ginkgo nuts are
frequently used in Oriental sweet and savory dishes, including soup
and porridge. Roasted ginkgo nuts are often served as an
accompaniment to poultry, as a digestive aid at formal banquets and
at Chinese weddings, as they are thought to bring good luck. They
are sold by street vendors in Chinese cities, and are a favourite of
children. The Chinese name for the seed translates as "silver
almond". Ginkgo seed food products may be purchased in Oriental
department stores.
Ginkgo seeds contain several unique organic compounds, including
bilobol, ginkgol, ginnol, and ginkgolic acid. In eastern Asia, the
ginkgo seed has been used in traditional medicine for treating a
wide variety of ailments, including asthma, coughs, pulmonary
tuberculosis, senility and bladder irritability. Its traditional
herbal actions include antimicrobial, anti~inflammatory and
vasodilatory. The Ginkgo~based supplements which are being used
against Alzheimer's, are made by extracting specific beneficial
components of the Ginkgo leaf, and discarding the toxic components.
We do not recommend using Ginkgo leaf tea, because of the potential
toxicity.
Growing ginkgo:
Ginkgo is a tree which can take up to 30 years to
reach maturity and will take up a 5-10 metre wide space in your graden. 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. |
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