Gingko
Ginkgo biloba
GINKGOACEAE
Ginkgo is a beautiful deciduous conifer, known as maidenhair tree, and is among the oldest plants on the planet, dating back at least 200 million years. These long-lived trees, sometimes living a thousand years, have a special affinity for the aged.
Students, scholars and thinkers of all sorts find ginkgo leaf's ability to improve memory nothing short of astounding. Use of this powerful herb results in increased learning power, better concentration and sharper mental skills.
Extensive studies show use of ginkgo leaves increases blood flow to the brain and helps prevent damage due to oxygen deficiency. Ginkgo also improves peripheral blood circulation and eyesight if due to poor circulation. It enhances one's mood and sociability, and helps ease anxiety and tension. Several elderly clients have reported their memory and mood improved after taking 30 drops of ginkgo tincture twice a day for several weeks. An ally for those suffering with mental decline or senility, ginkgo is used to treat and prevent geriatric dementia.
Ginkgo helps boost the transmission of signals through deteriorating nerves. Its antioxidants neutralize free radicals and slow aging.
Ginkgo's ability to decrease the formation of blood clots helps minimize strokes. Any condition that can be eased by improved blood flow will be helped by consistent use of ginkgo. Ginkgo increases walking distance for elderly patients with leg pain brought on by poor circulation. An excellent ally for those dealing with impotence, ginkgo enhances blood flow of penile arteries and veins, without any change to systemic blood pressure. A dose of 20-30 drops of tincture, twice daily, gets results.
Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoids, glycosides, lactones, sitosterol, proanthocyanidins, non-flavonoid terpenes, bilobalide, ginkgolides, essential oil and tannins. They are high in chromium, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc, and contain iron, potassium, sodium, thiamine and vitamin A.
The ginkgolides are as effective treating irregular heartbeats as standard pharmaceutical drugs. Ginkgo tincture (40 drops three times daily) strengthens the cardiac system by increasing arterial tone, reducing inflammation in blood vessel walls, and retarding blood cell clumping.
In cases of auditory nerve damage, ginkgo is an excellent ally. A 13-month study of 103 chronic sufferers of tinnitus showed improvement in every patient after about six weeks.
Ginkgo can be safely used when taking most medications, including prescription pharmaceuticals. There has been no report of any serious side effects or any known drug interaction. However, when first using ginkgo, there is some chance of transient headache or dizziness. If this should occur, reduce the dosage by half and then gradually increase over the next four to six weeks to the recommended dosage level.
Although extremely rare, other possible side effects from the use of ginkgo include dermatitis, irritability, restlessness, diarrhea and vomiting. If you experience any of these effects, reduce the dosage.
The gemmotherapy bud elixir of ginkgo biloba acts as a protector of capillaries and reduces blood viscosity. Its anti-inflammatory properties effectively counter arteritis, an inflammation of the arteries that damages blood vessel walls and reduces blood flow to organs. It stimulates peripheral circulation so may benefit those who deal with Raynaud's disease, tinnitus, balance disorders and diabetes. Ginkgo gemmotherapy elixir aids against depression and mental deterioration in the elderly and improves comfort in Alzheimer's disease by enhancing brain oxygenation. It is useful in mental insufficiency, memory disorders and learning ability.
Flower Essence Ginkgo flower essence improves memory problems due to age. It also improves the ability to “pierce the veil” and make contact with other dimensions of reality from which to gain knowledge.
Magical Lore tells us that ginkgo is considered a potent and mystical elder traditionally used in endurance and longevity magic.
Culture Ginkgo is an easy, but slow, tree to grow. It prefers full sun. At maturity, ginkgoes are as wide as they are tall. The tree is a beautiful addition to the landscape, with unusual lacy leaves looking like miniature Chinese fans. There are male and female ginkgo trees, but I've heard it takes twenty years before you can tell the difference. The medicinal properties of ginkgo leaves are the same whether male and female, although only the female produces the nut, which is a tan-orange color and shaped like a plum. The fleshy nut covering stinks as the nuts ripen and fall off the tree, making quite a mess. Ginkgo is among the last trees to unfurl their leaves in spring. They share a secret about survival through time and changes: curb impatience and impulsive action. Piano, piano my neighbors in the village say, take it easy, no need to rush. Ginkgo reminds me to hold tight until the moment is right.
Although they resist disease, pollutants and insect damage, ginkgo trees do need protection from kids and farm animals. I gather ginkgo leaves from summer through fall, using both green and yellow leaves. I dry them on screens, or tincture them fresh in alcohol or vinegar.
Cerebral Insufficiency Absentmindedness Anxiety
Confusion Depression Difficulty Concentrating
Dizziness Headache Lack of Energy
Memory Loss Tiredness
Tinnitus Weakness