GINKGO LEAF
Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgoceae)

Parts Used: Leaves and nuts

Energy and Flavor:  Neutral energy; nuts are mildly toxic, bitter, astringent

Systems Affected:  Lungs, Kidneys, Nervous system

Biochemical Constituents:

Flavonoids, including kaempferol, quercitine, isorhamnetine and other glycosides, proanthocyanidines and nonflavonoid terpenes, bilobalide and gingkolides A,B,C, lignans; essential oil and tannins

Properties:

The leaf is a vasodilator, especially improving circulation to the brain, the nuts are expectorant, antitussive, anti-asthmatic, sedative, mildly astringent

Nutritional Profile

Ginkgo Leaf

Ginkgo is commonly called the maidenhair tree.  It is commonly planted throughout the United States as an ornamental tree. During the Ice Age, it appears that the ginkgo tree was extinct in all but the central part of China.  Fossils of the tree have been found from the Permian period of geologic time, making the species over 200 million years old.  It is also a long-lived tree, reaching ages of 1,000 years.  It grows to a height of over 100 feet and its leaves resemble a fan from which it developed its common maidenhair name.  Its almond-like seed is used by Chinese herbalists to improve reproductive organ function and to treat respiratory ailments.

Ginkgo leaf has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat poor circulation.  The shape of the leaf with its many fan segments were thought by African herbalists to represent the many vessels of the circulatory system poised for maximum circulation.  The longevity of the tree itself and its ability to resist pollution and disease give it special place with holistic healers.  These observations, based on the African "Doctrine of Signatures," point herbalists to its potential uses. The bitter principles of ginkgo are sold in a variety of forms all over the world but most especially in Europe and Japan.  Studies have shown it to be effective in increasing peripheral blood flow.  This makes it especially useful in treating age-related brain disorders, cerebral and vascular insufficiency, Raynaud's disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and to prevent strokes.

Ginkgo has demonstrated remarkable ability to improve memory. Ginkgo is know to be an anti-aging herb with  many abilities: increased energy, antioxidant effects, decreased blood clotting, better concentration, improved hearing and others.

No one quite knows how this powerful herb accomplishes its feats but its action is attributed to a group of bitter compounds that are called flavonoids, hetersides and anthocyanidines.  It is especially popular as a longevity drug in Japan and is gaining popularity in the United States as the population ages.

African American suffering from any deficiency of circulation, or high blood pressure, should consider using ginkgo.  The extract of the leaves will increase blood flow throughout the body.  Ginkgo is nontoxic and not an anticoagulant: it may work by increasing the elasticity of the membranes of red blood cells, making it easier for them to squeeze through small arteries and capillaries.  Many people report both physical and mental improvement after using this herbal remedy for at least two months.  You will find standard extracts in tablet, capsule, and tea form in health food stores.  Its active principles seem to wear off after six to eight hours, so a dose of 40 milligrams three times a day with meals is recommended for maximum effect.

This and similar information on many other herbs will be reviewed by Master Herbalist Tariq Sawandi every month.  Please consider all advice in this review to be in the context of securing general information about a condition, substance or remedy.  Dr. Tariq Sawandi is pleased to receive health questions from our subscribers and will respond accordingly.  Please write to: Dr. Tariq Sawandi (aka D. Williams), Bldg. 3B04-210, (D47495), P.O. Box 3466, Corcoran, CA 93212.