Ginkgo Leaf, Cut & Sifted (Ginkgo Biloba)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Ginkgo Leaf, Cut & Sifted Herb (Ginkgo Biloba) HERB COMMON NAME :  Ginkgo HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Ginkgo Biloba OTHER NAMES :  Maidenhair Tree, Golden Fossil Tree, Witch’s Broom, Mariken FAMILY :  Ginkgoaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Water Planet: Venus Day: Friday Direction: West Zodiac Sign: Taurus Chakra: 7th Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) Energy: Yin Gender: Feminine Tarot: the Death Tarot Spirit Animal: Turtle, Whale, Jellyfish, Clam, Elephant Sabbat or Holiday:  Ostara / the Spring Equinox (btw. March 19-23) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Aphrodite, Venus, Jurōjin, Hercules, Percy, Zeus, Persephone   Parts Used:  Leaves Description:  Ginkgo is the oldest known surviving species of tree in the world, which earns the distinction of being a living fossil. Remarkably, every species of tree, including Ginkgo, was wiped out during the last glacial age, with the exception of a Gingko tree in China. As a further testament of resilience, Ginkgo was the only living specimen left standing after the atomic bomb was detonated in Hiroshima. Ginkgo leaf has a long history of use in producing teas and liquid extracts. The dried leaf is also commonly encapsulated as a dietary supplement. Extracts of the fruit and leaves of the Ginkgo tree have been used in China for over 5,000 years. For thousands of years, Ginkgo Biloba has been used to treat problems with the lungs and heart. Ginkgo is used for many important health conditions that are often associated with aging, like memory loss and developing Alzheimer’s disease. Research has found that the herb helps improve the blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the brain and nervous system. Ginkgo is also thought to help improve concentration, and may help symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Because it helps with circulation, the chemicals in Ginkgo also help to improve the health of the heart. It may help irregular heartbeats, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and may prevent both heart disease and stroke in people who take it regularly. As a peripheral vasodilator, Ginkgo may also help ease feelings of cold and numbness in the extremities (hands and feet) and ease symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome. Ginkgo may also help with sexual dysfunction and vascular impotence because it helps to improve circulation. Circulatory and blood flow problems are often to blame for problems with the reproductive organs. One study found that Ginkgo has a positive effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow). This study originated from the observation that a geriatric patient on Ginkgo Biloba for memory enhancement noted improved erections.  It can take up to six weeks before you begin to notice any effects.  A 2008 Chinese study showed that the Ginkgo Biloba plant was able to stimulate production of testosterone in the Leydig cells of the testes. After twelve weeks of treatment with Ginkgo Biloba extract, researchers noted significantly increased concentrations of circulating blood testosterone. Ginkgo may also help prevent eye problems such as macular degeneration cataracts, and glaucoma by improving circulation in these areas. Ginkgo Biloba has been historically used in alternative medicine asthma and allergies. Ginkgo may help dizziness, and equilibrium problems like vertigo and tinnitus. Ginkgo is believed to help with anxiety attacks, panic attacks, mood swings, depression, and stress. Ginkgo Biloba may help increase blood circulation to the scalp. It can stimulate hair follicles to promote hair growth. According to the International Journal of Pharmtech Research, this herb can be used as a potent hair tonic. Historical Uses:  lung problems, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, kidney disorders, anti-aging, youth, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, blood flow to the brain and nervous system, concentration, focus, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), circulation, blood circulation in the legs, muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, inflammation, impotence, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, aphrodisiac, incontinence, aphrodisiac, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, stress, mood swings, depression, relaxation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), vision problems, eye problems, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, dizziness, equilibrium problems, vertigo, tinnitus, asthma, wheezing, allergies, energy, anti-inflammatory, cold hands and feet, numbness in the extremities, hypoxia, Raynaud’s syndrome, baldness, alopecia, hair loss, longevity, vitality Mystical Attributes:   Ginkgo Biloba is an aphrodisiac associated with fertility. The dried nuts represent male fertility. A mild tea prior to bedtime will help to remember dreams. Mystical Intentions:  health and healing, love spells, sex magic, male fertility, dream magic, youth, eternal life, longevity, perseverance, tenacity, vitality, immortality, calm, relaxation, concentration, creativity, mental clarity, enlightenment, hope, resilience, overcoming obstacles, protection from insanity, learning problems Taste & Smell:  Ginkgo nuts can taste sweet or slightly bitter (like a combination of edamame, potato and pine nut to some or chestnuts to others) with an aromatic undertone similar to the smell of cheese. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:   Ginkgo Biloba is the oldest species of tree still living on the earth and can be traced back more than 300 million years. For this reason, Ginkgo is often referred to as “the living fossil.” It is a perennial deciduous tree, native to eastern China. A species of the family Ginkgoaceae, it is the only one of the family known to have survived the Ice Age. Ginkgos are large trees in the Ginkgoaceae family, normally reaching a height of 20–35 m (66–115 feet), with some specimens in China being over 50 m (164 feet). Some say they live a thousand years. The tree has an angular crown and long, somewhat erratic branches, and is usually deep rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage. Young trees are often tall and slender, and sparsely branched. The crown becomes broader as the tree ages. During autumn, the leaves turn a bright yellow, then fall, sometimes within a short space of time (one to 15 days). Ginkgo branches grow in length by growth of shoots with regularly spaced leaves, as seen on most trees. From the axils of these leaves, “spur shoots” (also known as short shoots) develop on second-year growth. Short shoots have very short internodes (so they may grow only one or two centimeters in several years) and their leaves are usually not lobed. They are short and knobby, and are arranged regularly on the branches except on first-year growth. Because of the short internodes, leaves appear to be clustered at the tips of short shoots, and reproductive structures are formed only on them. The leaves are unique among seed plants, being fan-shaped with veins radiating out into the leaf blade, sometimes bifurcating (splitting) to form a network. Two veins enter the leaf blade at the base and fork repeatedly in two; this is known as dichotomous venation. Ginkgos are dioecious, with separate sexes, some trees being female and others being male. Male plants produce small pollen cones with sporophylls, each bearing two microsporangia spirally arranged around a central axis. Female plants do not produce cones. Two ovules are formed at the end of a stalk, and after pollination, one or both develop into seeds. A combination of resistance to disease, insect-resistant wood and the ability to form aerial roots and sprouts makes Ginkgos long-lived, with some specimens claimed to be more than 2,500 years old. Ginkgo shows a preference for disturbed sites. In Tian Mu Shan, many specimens are found along stream banks, rocky slopes, and cliff edges. Ginkgo grows best in rich, sandy soils that are well-watered and well-drained. Sow ginkgo seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a sheltered outdoor bed. Cultivate with care. Transplant seedlings into individual gallon pots and grow for a year or two before transplanting in the spring into their permanent location. When male and female trees are grown together, the female produces yellow plum-like fruits in autumn which when ripe look like little brains. When these fall to the ground and are squashed they give off an odor like rancid butter. But contained within the fruit is a seed which is considered a delicacy in China where it is usually roasted before being eaten. The leaves are green to gold, fan-shaped, petioled, with many radiating veins and about 4 to 5 inches wide. Gather fresh green leaves in late summer or early autumn, just before they begin to change color. Dry the leaves for later use. They can also be cut into smaller pieces or ground into powder. Store dried ginkgo leaf (as pieces or powder) in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Caution when using Ginkgo with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication such as warfarin and aspirin Due to blood thinning tendencies, avoid use if taking blood thinners. Discontinue use prior to surgery Avoid if taking anti-depressants Large amounts may lead to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting Cases of excessive bleeding may also be contraindicated Use of the leaf may cause GI discomfort and dizziness Use of the fruit/nut may cause erythema, edema, vessicles, severe GI irritation May interact with MAOIs, blood thinners, NSAIDs, SSRIs, thiazide diuretics May act as a uterine stimulant leading to menstrual problems and possible miscarriage Do not use if pregnant or nursing   Constituents: Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) Terpenoids (bilobilides, ginkgolides) Bioflavonoids Ginkgolic acid (toxic) Proanthocyanidins Amino acids Benzoic acid Sugars Waxes Lactones Sitosterol     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related