Herb of the Month: Ginkgo biloba
Welcome to month #4 of my Herb of the Month blog. Today is all about Ginkgo biloba.
Ginkgo tree = a “Living fossil” from the Ginkgoaceae family, a single species with no known living relatives.
There is a lot of modern research behind Ginkgo, and although the Ginkgo tree is one of the world’s oldest living tree species being traced back to more than 200 millions years (the tree can live over 1000 years - incredibly resilient having survived Hiroshima), what most of us know to be the benefits of Ginkgo leaf only came through modern German medicine. However, historically, Ginkgo nut was used as medicine. Something that most naturopathic practitioners and herbalists do not use today in practice.
In the 17th century China rediscovered the Ginkgo plant and began using the nut, as food, for respiratory conditions. The Ginkgo nut is best consumed under the guidance of a TCM practitioner as high doses can be toxic. The Gingko nut expels mucous from the lungs , stops wheezing and coughing, and alleviates asthma. So, the Ginkgo leaf is not seen as an ancient remedy, unlike it’s seed/nut.
Research today have studied and measured the benefits of Gingko leaf in a standardised extract of 50:1, which is an incredibly potent formula. Because of all research being studied with a 50:1 it is important to reach out to a naturopath or herbalist for support in recommending the appropriate dose for your case.
In clinic I use the Ginkgo leaf and have never had any experience with the Ginkgo nut. The therapeutic affect of the leaf is a result of interactions between constituents and mechanisms, allowing it to be beneficial in many varied conditions. For example, for dementia or memory impairment, Parksinson’s disease, peripheral vascular diseases (like Raynaud’s syndrome), vertigo, tinnitus, macular degeneration and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Ginkgo lead tea or extract less than 50:1 standardised extract is not effective for the above uses.
Energetics: sweet, bitter, tart, astringent. Based on a combination of sweet and bitter some texts would consider Ginkgo energetics as neutral.
Parts Used: Leaf and traditionally the nut
Action: Leaf: peripheral vasodilator, neuroprotective, mitochondrial protective, antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, nootropic, cardioprotective, anticoagulant, decongestant. Nut: expectorant, antitussive, sedative, mildly astringent, antibacterial, antifungal.
Preparation: Dried herb 9-10g/day 1cup 3/daily. Or 120-240 mg of a 50:1 standardized extract daily in divided doses. Highly recommended to take Ginkgo with the guidance of a herbalist to get the benefits of Ginkgo.
Caution: Nuts can be toxic in high doses. Significant interactions with medications. It is advised to take Gingko with the guidance of a herbalist.
Insufficient evidence is available to determine safety in pregnancy.
