Focus on Herbs: Ginkgo biloba

by Lynne Latella

The ginkgo tree with its distinctive fan-shaped leaves, has been used medicinally for thousands of years. More than 200 million years old, it was all but destroyed during the Ice Age except in China, where it was revered as a sacred tree. If it weren’t for Buddhist monks who cultivated these trees in their temple gardens, we might not have ever known about gingko. Brought to America in 1784, it was planted as an ornamental tree and became very popular because of its high resistance to disease, insects and pollution.

Although used for centuries by ancient doctors, it was only relatively recently that it became appreciated by Americans. Seeds were once used in medicinal preparations to strengthen organs and assist those recovering from illnesses. The seeds or nuts were often added to food preparations for flavor and good health. Nowadays, Chinese herbalists recommend ginkgo for numerous ailments and Europeans, especially in Germany and France, consider it to be an important mainstay. Since ginkgo has many uses, it’s no wonder that in India it is synonymous with long life. Growing more than 100 feet tall, ginkgo can survive for more than 4,000 years! Perhaps its long life and resistance to nature’s scourges is the reason that health practitioners developed such a keen interest in the tree.

Because of ginkgo’s reputation, many popular remedies have been developed to combat the effects of aging, increase energy to the brain and assist with visual problems caused by retinal damage. Not only a strong vasodilator, it also has a positive effect on mental acuity, senility and Alzheimer’s disease. It contains antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties, the last of which slows down the formation of free radicals. Platelets are less likely to clump together with the use of ginkgo, thereby making it beneficial in preventing strokes, blood clots and congestive heart failure. Ginkgo is indicated for other conditions, such as:

• Altitude sickness
• Anxiety and mood swings
• Asthma
• Circulation
• Coughs
• Depression
• Hemorrhoids
• Impotence
• Inflammation
• Muscular degeneration
• Phlebitis
• Raynaud’s disease
• Tinnitus
• Varicose veins
• Vertigo

The longer the treatment using ginkgo, the more visible the results. Although generally safe, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking ginkgo because it may cause diarrhea, headaches, nausea, irritability or restlessness. It should not be taken by those who use aspirin on a daily basis, because this combination can cause brain lesions. Since it thins the blood, it is not advisable for those on blood thinners or who have epilepsy or convulsions, or for women who are pregnant or lactating.

The Co-op carries ginkgo in tinctures, compounds, singles and tea.

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