Ginkgo Leaf and Powder Profile

Also known as- Ginkgo biloba, and Maidenhair Tree.

Introduction

Ginkgo extracts are the most widely used, and among the least natural„herbal products in North America and Europe today. Most of the ginkgo capsules you find on the market are actually extracts of ginkgo leaves made by bathing them in hexanol and evaporating the toxic solvent away to make a concentrated slurry of a single healing chemical.

Constituents

Gibberellin, cytokinin-like substances, ginkgolic acid, bilobol, ginnol, aspartine, calcium.

Parts Used

Leaves and nuts. Leaves are considered "sweeter" and have a gentle effect and are primarily used for cerebral circulation.

Typical Preparations

Teas, capsules, and extracts.

Summary

The natural herb has a long history in Chinese medicine. Ginkgo nuts and ginkgo leaves are used to treat lung conditions (rather than mental conditions). They are sweet, astringent, and non-heating; they stop "leakage" of fluids into air passageways without causing heat, increased heartbeat, or excitability.
Recent research into the plant has discovered a range of medicinally active compounds in the leaves and this has excited a lot of interest in the health-promoting potential of the plant. In particular, the leaves stimulate the blood circulation and have a tonic effect on the brain, reducing lethargy, improving memory and giving an improved sense of well-being. They have also been shown to be effective in improving peripheral arterial circulation and in treating hearing disorders such as tinnitus where these result from poor circulation or damage by free radicals. The leaves contain ginkgolides, these are compounds that are unknown in any other plant species. Ginkgolides inhibit allergic responses and so are of use in treating disorders such as asthma. Eye disorders and senility have also responded to treatment. The leaves are best harvested in the late summer or early autumn just as they begin to change colour. They are dried for later use.

Precautions

The leaf is not recommended for persons currently taking blood thinning medications.
For nuts- do not use if you have a current outbreak of poison ivy or contact dermatitis, since the increased circulation to the skin caused by the herb could spread the toxin.