Ginkgo Biloba seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years
Spring is Approaching fast!
Things to Consider for Spring
New and Updated Herb Articles
Herb Growing Technique
New Herb Recipes!
Ginkgo Biloba or Ginkgo is commonly misspelled as: Ginko biloba, ginko, gingko and gingko biloba!
Growing Zone 3-9 A species of Deciduous Tree
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest herbs in herbal medicine and certainly one of the most misspelled at that.
Ginkgo Biloba trees occupy such a unique position in nature, botanists have found it difficult to classify. So much so that they created a group of its own: Ginkgophyta, a single order Ginkgoales, a single family Ginkgoaceae, and a single genus Ginkgo.
Ginkgo trees are medium-large trees, normally reaching a height from 60 to 120 feet. Some specimens in China have grown to reach 165 feet in height. Also known as the maidenhair tree it is the oldest living tree species worldwide. The Ginkgo Biloba tree has lived unchanged in China for more than 300 million years. Individual trees can live for more than 1,000 years. This is in large part due to its resistance to fungi, insects, viruses, pollution and radiation.
Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for several thousand years
Ginkgo seeds are occasionally eaten after they are cooked. Extracts are taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make various forms of herbal medicine such as tablets, capsules, or teas. More recently, ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat circulatory diseases and a variety of other ailments including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and ringing ears.
Ginkgo Biloba has restorative effects on the central nervous system. It is also used to help increase circulation in the brain and has antioxidant properties. Some promising results have been seen for Alzheimer’s disease, and tinnitus among others, but larger, well-designed research studies are needed.
Numerous studies of ginkgo have been done for a variety of health conditions
Ginkgo is also being studied for asthma, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, vascular function, cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants, and insulin resistance. It is so widely used that interactions between ginkgo and prescription drugs are also being studied.
A large clinical trial of ginkgo is currently being conducted, the aim of which is to see if the herb prevents the onset of dementia and, Alzheimer’s disease.
A study, the results of which were published in 2002, found that when gingko biloba is taken following the manufacturer's instructions, it provides no benefit to the memory of adults older than 60 who have a healthy memory. As you can see the results are mixed.
Cautions and possible dangers of taking Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba or ginkgo, when used as an herbal medicine and taken in large doses, can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness. Other side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported.
There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk. People who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should talk to a health care provider before using ginkgo.
Uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgo toxin, which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts appear to safer because of low levels of the substance.
Before deciding to take ginkgo, use good judgment. It is always good to inform your health care providers about any Ginkgo that you are using.
Thomas Kueny – Publisher