Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba

Common name: Maidenhair tree, Tempelbaum

Origin: China and the far East

History: The most ancient of all trees Ginkgo Biloba was food for the dinosaurs. Geological records indicate this plant has been growing on earth for 150 - 200 million years.

The name comes from the Chinese Ginko meaning 'silver fruit' or 'white nuts' and was used in early Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese monks are credited with keeping the tree in existence, as a sacred herb.

It was first brought to Europe in the 1700's and it is now a commonly prescribed drug in France and Germany. 

Tradition:   

It is said:

• Ginkgo Biloba taken as a weak tea prior to bedtime will help to remember dreams during sleep
• If you hold or carry Ginkgo Biloba it will help improve the memory.

Usage

Medicinal Part Used: Dried leaf , fruits, seeds, roots

Ginkgo Biloba is used for:

Blood Conditions

• decreases capillary fragility
• diminished blood flow to the head
• hemorrhoids
• inhibits platelet activity factor (PAF), which is a common allergen in the body
• varicose veins

Brain and Nervous System Conditions

Ginkgo Biloba is used for cerebral insufficiency which is a general term for a collection of symptoms including:

• absentmindedness
• anxiety
• confusion
• depressed moods
• difficulties of concentration and memory
• dizziness
• headache
• memory problems (currently being used in Alzheimer's Disease in its early stage and for other symptoms of cerebral insufficiency)

and

• boosts oxygen levels in the brain which uses 20% of the body's oxygen
• elevates mood
• enhances memory because of its positive effects on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum
• helps lack of energy
• helps mental fatigue
• improves mental alertness
• improves short and long term memory
• increases blood flow to the body's extremities including the head
• increases blood flow to the brain and throughout the body's network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the organ systems
• increases reaction time and improved mental clarity
• neurological disorders
• regulates neurotransmitters
• relieves tension and anxiety
• restores energy
• tonic to the brain, central nervous system
• vertigo

Cardiovascular Conditions

Ginkgo has been used to treat circulation-related disorders such as:

• diabetic peripheral vascular disease
• insufficient circulation and complications from skull injuries
• insufficient circulation and complications from stroke
• improving circulation in the extremities relieving cold hands and feet
• opening of the smaller veins helping to improve circulation to all organs, especially the heart   
• Raynaud's syndrome
• vascular constriction

as well as

• a tonic to the vascular system
• chronic arterial blockage
• circulation problems
• helping control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque associated with the hardening of arteries
• relaxing constricted blood vessels

Genitourinary Conditions

• improves kidney function

Glandular Conditions

• improves pancreas function

Male Conditions

• impotence

Metabolic Conditions

• increases metabolism efficiency

Respiratory Tract Conditions

• allergies that affect breathing
• asthma
• colds
• relieves sinus congestion
• stubborn coughs

Other

• a potential treatment to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs
• countering the effects of aging
• countering the effects of long term nicotine smoking
• swelling in the limbs
• tinnitus [ringing in the ears] when combined with Hawthorn and St Mary's Thistle
• toxic shock syndrome
• treats head injuries

Action: 

• antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging and dementia]
• antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
• antiseptic [an agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
• arterial vasodilator [an agent that widens the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure]
• sedative [a soothing agent that that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
• vaso-regulating agent
• venous vasoconstrictor

Ginkgo can be of benefit in the treatment of eye and ear disorders by:

• eyesight restoration
• improving hearing
• improving hearing loss in the elderly
• improving poor hearing
• increasing blood flow to the retina
• slowing retinal deterioration resulting in an increase of visual acuity

Precautions

Drug Interactions:

Do not use Ginkgo Biloba without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:

• None indicated