I was recently researching South Dakota tree species and it came to my attention that Gingko Biloba was growing right here in our state. In fact, it can be found in the East, Central, and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Several years ago in the fall, I was visiting my sister in Greenville, South Carolina. She insisted that we go for a walk to look at a magnificent flaming yellow Gingko tree. Indeed, it was breathtaking! At the time, I didn’t know much about the Gingko, other than I had heard it was good for the memory. Because this tree grew in the south, I didn’t think it would grow in South Dakota!
A Living Fossil
Because the Ginkgo tree is the only surviving member of an ancient order of plants, it’s often referred as a “living fossil.” Native to southeast China, Gingko is one of the worlds oldest living tree species. Most people recognize the Gingko Biloba by its fan-shaped bright green leaves. The trees can live as long as 3,000 years and is the oldest recorded herbal! [1] A Gingko fossil recently sold for $595. It contained Gingko aidentoides (extinct). It was found in Morton County, North Dakota and had 10 leaves in it.
Mighty Powerful For Circulation
There is something very powerful about a tree that is considered the guardian of the ancestral memory of all the trees of creation. It also claims to be the strongest antioxidant in modern and herbal medicine. Studies have shown Gingko Biloba to help with micro-circulation, especially for circulation to the upper body and head. It has an affinity to the auditory and optic nerve tissues. It’s cellular memory has been around for a very long time, so it is considered to help “store memory.” Gingko works by increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to all organs with rich blood supplies, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and spleen.
Gingko may be helpful in any kind of radiation treatments, (during radiation treatments and post radiation), but mostly because we live in such a “radiated world” with EMFs, microwave radiation, cell tower radiation, etc. It is known to protect one from negative vibrations in this regard. It can be used at any age, but works well in the elderly, for those who have suffered strokes, and for vertigo symptoms arising from the inner ear. It may help with tinnitus (ringing in the ears). [2]. The brain is one of the hungriest organs of our body. To function properly, it needs to be continuously bathed in oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Studies have confirmed that gingko increases blood flow to the retina and can slow retinal deterioration. In clinical tests, Gingko has improved hearing loss in the elderly. [3]
It is said that six Gingko trees survived Hiroshima, and were among the first trees to start growing back. Since these trees live so long, they are considered symbols of good health, loyalty and immortality, which is understandable, due to its longevity. [4]
More To Know….
The flesh of the Ginkgo fruit is poisonous. The female trees are messy and possess a foul-smell (similar to vomit). The seeds are cooked and used for treatment of lung ailments in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The leaves are used externally to remove freckles and sooth sores. A strong extract is the most commonly used. The tree is virtually free of disease and pest problems. I wonder if this is due to it’s foul-smelling fruit? Do not use during pregnancy.
At Herbs4You, we carry Barlow Herbal Ginloba. This is a very potent extract. Other products containing Ginkgo include our own Blood Dirt and Serotonin Tea. Several of Dr. Christopher products contain Ginkgo, this includes Liver Transition Formula, Male Tonic, Memory Plus, Mind-Trac, Prostate Plus, and Barlow Glowing Vitality Epidermis Serum.
I am truly amazed each and every day by herbs and their medicinal properties and benefits! Ginkgo is just another example of a truly fascinating herb!
We’re Here to Help YOU!
Sue Froschheuser
[1] Ginkgo Biloba (n.d.). Retrieved on 4/05/2020 from arborday.org
[2] Eden Project – Maidenhair Tree (n.d.) Retrieved on 12/19/2018 from edenproject.com
[3] Barlow Herbal Specialties Catalog
[4] Goepel, M. 2020) 20 Surprising Ginkgo Tree Facts to Tantalize Your Brain.Retrieved on 4/05/2020 from gardenandhappy.com
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