Ginkgo
Ginkgo is a long-lived, ancient, dioecious tree known for its fan-shaped leaves, remarkable resilience, and traditional uses in both food and medicine. It is often called a “living fossil,” recognized for supporting circulation, cognitive function, and vascular integrity.
Ginkgo may come from Chinese, Sankyo or Yin Kuo, meaning “hill apricot” or “silver fruit”; it is thought that the name may have been misspelled or translated incorrectly by westerners. The Latin name biloba was bestowed in 1771, meaning “two lobes,” to describe the young leaves.
Enhances cerebral and peripheral circulation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, eyes, heart, and extremities. Used for cognitive decline, memory loss, poor concentration, and reduced alertness associated with aging, chronic fatigue, or poor vascular perfusion. Supports mental clarity and sharpness during recovery from illness or periods of exhaustion.
Protects neural tissue through strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood viscosity, improving microcirculation and preventing ischemic damage. Beneficial for vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and post-stroke recovery. Reduces brain swelling from trauma, edema, or toxic exposure, and supports normal function of neurotransmitters.
Improves capillary strength and circulation in the retina and cochlea, aiding in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and tinnitus. Used for peripheral vascular disorders including intermittent claudication, Raynaud’s disease, cold extremities, and varicose veins. Strengthens fragile capillaries and reduces bruising, broken vessels, and edema.
Its ability to increase blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain makes it useful in arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and early coronary insufficiency. Supports overall vascular elasticity and protects against oxidative stress that contributes to premature aging of vessels.
In respiratory and allergic conditions, Ginkgo stabilizes mast cells, reduces histamine release, and improves airway dilation. Used for asthma, chronic cough, and allergic rhinitis. Its mild anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects support oxygen exchange and decrease sensitivity to environmental triggers.
Ginkgo has flourished, unchanged for 150 million years, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Its ancestors may be traced back 250 million years. Some scientists call ginkgo “the living fossil.”
One of the largest ancient Ginkgo forests was in what is now the Columbia River near Vantage, Washington. Many Ginkgo trees today are planted by hand, especially in cities, as they offer extensive shade and are resistant to insects, bacteria, viruses, pollution, and old age.
Ginkgo fruits and nuts have been used in China as tonics and delicacies, mentioned in Chinese texts for the last 5,000 years. Nuts are harvested in the fall after the first frost, cooked, and added to porridge, especially during weddings and feasts. The seeds contain compounds shown to speed up alcohol metabolism, making them popular digestive aids at celebrations. Raw nuts are toxic, so proper preparation is crucial.
It is common in Japan to eat Ginkgo nuts after meals as a digestive aid.
Dioecious, broadleaf tree reaching 30–40 meters tall. Seeds are not encased by an ovary wall, making Ginkgo a gymnosperm more closely related to conifers than other broadleaf trees.
Ginkgo, like garlic, can slow the blood’s ability to clot. Taking one or both herbs alongside anticoagulant pharmaceuticals may be dangerous.
Warning signs that Ginkgo may interfere with platelet aggregation include bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or bruising.
Do a bleed test after three months of taking Ginkgo to see how quickly the blood coagulates.
Caution with MAOI antidepressants such as phenelzine sulfate (Nardil).
Avoid use after noon in individuals with insomnia.
Discontinue at least 1–2 weeks prior to surgery to reduce bleeding risk.
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, and notes from relevant CSHS lecturers.