Herbs to Know: Ginkgo

Common Name(s): Ginkgo
Scientific/Latin Name: Ginkgo biloba

Place of Origin: China

Commonly thought of: An herb to stimulate the brain or circulatory system

Past Uses: Ginkgo leaves at one time were used to help a number of illnesses including respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, it was also used to help fatigue and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Active Constituents: flavonoids and terpenoids

Medicinal uses: It is often used today because it is believed is supports mental health and is believed to help alzheimers, however recent studies have all but disproved this completely, as many participants in the studies showed no change or improvement to their alzheimer's or dementia. However there are studies that show it can help with intermittent claudication, otherwise known as pain in the legs caused by narrowing arteries. It is also used to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and other health problems.

Dosage: 
"Pediatric
Ginkgo should not be given to children.

Adult
It can take 4 - 6 weeks to see any effects from ginkgo. Ask your doctor to help you find the right dose.
Memory problems and Alzheimer's disease: Many studies have used 120 - 240 mg daily in divided doses, standardized to contain 24 - 32% flavone glycosides (flavonoids or heterosides) and 6 - 12% triterpene lactones (terpenoids).
Intermittent claudication: Studies have used 120 - 240 mg per day."
-University of Maryland Medical Center

Usually used as: Capsules, extract, tablets, and tea

Growing/Wildcrafting: While it can be grown in certain climates in North America, is primarily imported from China where it originated. Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Ginkgo

Cautions: May cause headaches, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions to those who have an allergy to the plant. There is some evidence to suggest it may heighten bleeding risk, so you should not take it before surgery (Up to two weeks before) or if you are on any kind of blood thinner. A study done on rats and mice showed an increase in tumors after being given ginkgo extract for around 2 years, there is no science to show what might happen to people when on Ginkgo for prolonged periods of time.

Extra Notes: It is sometimes used to reverse the sexual performance problems that can accompany taking certain antidepressants called SSRIs (Such as Prozac).

Where to find Recipes:
Ginkgo Tea -- Martha Stewart
Often times the nuts are harvested and eaten or used in recipes.

How to make Preparations: Leaves are primarily used in making ginkgo preparations. These can be used in a tincture or extract, and dried to be made into tea or put in capsules.

Sources:

"Ginkgo" NCCIH. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, June 2013. Web. 23 June 2015. --  Website Link

Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Ginkgo biloba" University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 13 Dec. 2010. Web. 23 June 2015.-- Website Link

"Ginkgo: MedlinePlus Supplements." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 23 June 2015. 


This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)