Ginkgo Tree

Regardless of any purported medicinal benefits of this tree, the fact remains it is probably the oldest tree on the planet - and beautiful it is too!

A deciduous conifer (yes there is such a thing) the Ginkgo will leaf up in Spring with gorgeous bright green leaves that come late Summer and Autumn mellow to a gorgeous butter yellow colour; in its own right it is truly gorgeous.

Known by many names including ginkgo, the fossil tree, the maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing) its medicinal use goes back centuries.

Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten. More recently, Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Today, people use Ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory; to treat or help prevent Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia; to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries); and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and other health conditions.

As is quite often the case with nature, the fact that the leaves of the Ginkgo are 'bi-lobed' - mirroring the human brain - perhaps indicates its potential use?

Whilst extracts are usually commercially taken from the Ginkgo leaf and used to make tablets and capsules, a plant of your own will provide the most fresh source of leaf suitable for making teas (green or from the dried leaf as well as tinctures (some beauty and skin products now contain Ginkgo extract).

Current Scientific Thought...
Numerous studies of Ginkgo have been done for a variety of conditions. Some promising results have been seen for Alzheimer's disease/dementia, intermittent claudication, and tinnitus among others, but larger, well-designed research studies are needed. Some smaller studies for memory enhancement have had promising results.

• Thrives in a full sun position, will take light shade.
• Likes most soil types which are well drained.
• Deciduous.
• Hardy.
• Slow growing. Height at ten years 6 feet (1.8 metres).
• Can reach 98 feet (30 metres).
• Spread at ten years 3 feet (90 cm).

• Medicinal Uses
• To treat circulatory problems (particularly in older people).
• Can strengthen blood vessels.
• Roasted seeds can relieve hangovers.
• To ease lung problems, coughs and asthma via Chinese medicine.
• Can help Alzheimers.
• Can ease tinnitus.

Potential Side Effects Of Use Of Ginkgo (things to be aware of)
Side effects of Ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported. There is some data to suggest that Ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and advise their doctor, dentist or surgeon that they are using Ginkgo. Uncooked Ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and Ginkgo leaf extracts contain little ginkgotoxin.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.