Ginkgo Leaf, Cut & Sifted (Ginkgo biloba) – Dried Herb, Organic

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba also called the Maidenhair tree is the oldest living tree species on the planet today, more than 225 million years old and is the only tree left in the plant family Ginkgoaceae from the Mesozoic Era. Ginkgo is classified as a deciduous conifer; it is a deciduous tree but shares the same biology as coniferous trees. Ginkgo biloba is native to a small region within China, it has been naturalized and cultivated in many parts of the world but is only found growing in the wild in two known regions of the Zhejiang province in China. After the bombing at Hiroshima people examined the effect of the blast on local plants and it was noted that six ginkgo trees survived the bombing, the closest of which was 1200 meters from the epicenter and is still alive today. This tree is regarded as the “bearer of hope” and stands as an international symbol of hope and resilience in a time of crisis. Ginkgo trees are male and female, the males produce small cones which produce pollen to fertilize the female seeds in the fall, that are very unpleasant smelling. Ginkgo leaves are uniquely fan-shaped and the leaves start out green but change to golden-yellow in the fall. Ginkgo trees can be slow to grow, both female and male trees can take 20 years to reach maturity and can live up to 1000 years old. Ginkgo trees Leaves are harvested for their medicinal properties in the late summer or early autumn just as they begin to change color.

Ginkgo was first used medicinally in China in the 1500’s, in Germany it’s first noted use was in the late 1600’s, Europeans starting using ginkgo medicinally in the 1700’s and then later that century in North America. Ginkgo has been used traditionally in China for overall cognitive health, maintaining healthy circulation, for brain disorders, circulatory disorders, and respiratory diseases. Fallen leaves of ginkgo have been used in used as insecticides and fertilizer.

Properties:

The energetics and taste of Gingko are bland, slightly sweet, bitter, stimulating, cooling and drying. Ginkgo has an affinity towards the kidneys liver, brain, lungs, circulatory system, heart, spleen, eyes and musculoskeletal system. For a circulatory blend combine Ginkgo with Hawthorn, Gotu Kola or Ginger. For a lung formula combine Ginkgo with Mullein Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf or Wild Cherry Bark. For brain and cognitive support combine Gingko with Bacopa, Lion’s Mane or Ashwagandha.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Ginkgo Leaf to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

While Ginkgo appears to be safe in moderate amounts it has be known to cause headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, upset stomach and allergic skin reactions.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.