Latin name: Ginkgo biloba
Chinese name: bai guo
Other names: ginkgo nut, maidenhair tree
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
The ginkgo tree is native to China and has no close living relatives in the plant kingdom. Though the trees have been cultivated in North America for 200 years, there are some in China that have been living for upwards of 2,500 to 3,000 years. The ginkgo tree enjoys significant symbolic status in Buddhism and Confucianism, and parts of the tree’s seed are used in Chinese cuisine. The oil from the seed is used as a fuel in lighting, and it also can be made into a soap substitute.
What are the health benefits of Ginkgo Biloba?
Most of the medicinal qualities of the ginkgo tree focus on the seed. One of the more commonly known uses of ginkgo biloba is as a memory and concentration enhancer, as well as being useful in generally improving attention in healthy people, though these claims are made amidst controversy in Western medicine. Ginkgo is used to treat a number of upper respiratory ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, and coughing. It is also considered an aphrodisiac. Additionally, ginkgo biloba is used to improve blood flow, protect against platelet aggregation and blood clotting, reduce lethargy, treat urinary incontinence, and remedy hearing loss.
Where can I find Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo biloba can be found online, in health food stores, in herbal specialty stores, in pharmacies, and in the offices of Chinese medical practitioners.
You can find this herb combined with other herbs in the Traditions of Tao formulas:
Breathe Ease, which helps protect against asthmatic cough, wheezing, and congestion.
Super Clarity, which helps promote blood flow and nourish the heart and brain.
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