A tree native to China, the Gingko is considered a living fossil that has existed for 300 million years.
Can measure between 25 and 50 meters tall, this tree also called “tree of a thousand crowns,” “silver apricot” or “Ginkgo biloba”, which grows on soil – clay.
Belonging to the Ginkgoaceae family, it is generally found in the parks of large cities (because very resistant to pollution) but also, it can also be found in large commercial ginkgo plantations in South Carolina ( USA ), in China, in the West of France, Korea, and Japan.
However, in addition to the ornamental character of its leaves, the tree with 40 crowns has unsuspected medicinal properties. What are they? How does it act on the human organism? How to use it wisely?
Ginkgo biloba, for the record
According to the writings, the Gingko existed for some 40 million years even before the appearance of the dinosaurs. Indeed, history says that the Silver Apricot tree is the only living being that during World War II resisted the effects of the Hiroshima Bomb.
One might think that this is the reason why the Buddhist monks made it an object of worship by planting it near their temples in order to keep the fire away.
Ginkgo biloba: virtues and health benefits
A living being that can be described as immortal, this resistant, superior, and unique plant have therapeutic virtues discovered since antiquity in traditional Chinese medicine.
As medicinal properties, Ginkgo biloba contains:
- – flavonoids (important antioxidants in our diet),
- – bilobalides
- – terpenoids for their aromatic qualities,
- – ginkgolides
- – lactones (flavor of processed or natural food products).
A powerful antioxidant, the effects of Gingko on the body are multiple.
If for some researchers, this plant improves arterial function, its leaves are known to be used as a natural remedy for:
- reduce inflammation
- facilitate blood circulation
- protect nerve cells
- reduce pain in peripheral vascular diseases.
As part of treatment, Ginkgo biloba is recommended for :
- sexual dysfunctions
- tinnitus
- headaches
- dizziness
- altitude sickness
- manifestations of anxiety as well as Raynaud’s disease
- relieve premenstrual syndrome
- visual disturbances (glaucoma, retinopathy )
- depression
- vitiligo
- anxiety
- dementia, schizophrenia…
Added to this are the abilities of the thousand crown tree to prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease and even to regenerate cognitive functions in healthy elderly people.
Uses, dosages, instructions for use of Ginkgo biloba
The parts used in Ginkgo biloba to promote blood circulation and mental health are the seeds and leaves.
– In infusion: mix 30 g of ginkgo leaves and 30 g of green tea leaves. Measure 1 teaspoon then pour 25 cl of boiling water over it
After 7 minutes, filter then add a little honey or lemon juice before drinking 1 to 2 cups a day.
– As a standardized extract. Taking 120 mg to 480 mg two or three times a day is sufficient.
