Herb of the Day for June 23rd is Gingko

Herb of the Day

Gingko

Maidenhair Tree


The name “Gingko” comes from the Chinese, meaning  “silver fruit” or “white nuts.”                                                                         
Medicinal Uses: Gingko Biloba is used to treat memory loss and difficulties, and is used to treat head injuries. It is also used to treat tinnitus, circulatory problems, strengthening the cardiac system, impotence, asthma, allergies that affect breathing, and Alzheimer’s disease, in its early stages. Its properties enable the opening of the smaller veins, helping to improve circulation to all organs and especially the heart.          
                                                          
Ginkgo biloba expels mucus from bronchioles and lungs, stops wheezing, inhibits cough, stops leucorrhea, regulates urination, stops spermatorrhea. The ripe fruit, having been macerated in sesame oil for 100 days, has been successfully used in China for the treatment of tuberculosis. The 24 to 1 extract of the leaf is now a popular herbal product for a wide variety of vascular problems especially increasing vascular circulation to the brain for the treatment of dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.    
                                                                                             
It improves memory loss, brain function, cerebral and peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and blood flow. Relieves signs of senility, phlebitis, depression. Good for vertigo and tinnitus, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, allergies, coughs, colds, flu, inflammations, hemorrhoids, positive effect on the vascular system, increases blood flow to the brain and lower extremities, heart and kidney disorders, and glucose utilization.

Magickal uses:  Gingko is held or carried to help improve the memory. A mild tea prior to bedtime will help to remember dreams during sleep.

Properties: Seeds: astringent, expectorant, sedative, antitussive, anti-fungal, antibacterial. Leaves: relax blood vessels, circulatory stimulant. Contains ginkgolides and heterosides, volatile oil tannins, and resin.

Growth: The Gingko Biloba tree is a remnant of prehistoric times. It grows 50 to 70 feet tall. It prefers temperate areas with moist soils, and needs full sun and high humidity. The tree has attractive, fan shaped foliage and can grow to about 35 feet in twenty years. It is dioecious, meaning there are male and female plants. The female plant produces a bad smelling fruit, which contains a delicious nut that is a gourmet treat in China. The seeds are yellow. Native to China and Japan and closely related to conifers. Cultivated in the United States.
Reference
Author: Crick