Ginkgo :: a beautiful herb you may recognize because it is so often planted along sidewalks in suburban neighborhoods. This tree said to be a “living fossil” because it hasn't changed much in millions of years. In modern herbalism the leaves are a tonic for the mind & help improve memory, mood, and recall when drunk as tea in the long term. It isn’t the tastiest of herbs but, it isn’t foul either and worth trying for all of us who struggle to pay attention.
The other day I grabbed my basket and went to pick the bright green leaves of the ginkgo tree outside my house. This is not a common herb here in Argentina. I have only seen it in a park in downtown Rosario, Santa Fe.
The owners of this house were into really unique herbs and planted one outside the kitchen. This is really convenient because ginkgo is an extremely useful herb, let me tell you all about it.
Ginkgo in Herbal Medicine
While ginkgo leaves have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, it has only been since the 80's that the leaves were added into the rotation of Western Herbalism.
I was introduced to ginkgo while on a walk with a friend, back when I lived in my university town of Eugene, Oregon. He pointed out the ginkgo trees that lined the sidewalk of our neighborhood. He reached up and grabbed a few leaves to make a tincture with, alongside rosemary, for memory support.
That is something that I really admired about this friend. That he didn't feel the need to buy herbs or forage them from a pristine source. He found medicine everywhere, even alongside the roads and highways.
According to my herbalism books; there are female and male ginkgo trees. And leaves are indeed very often recommended for any issues with the memory. Ginkgo leaves help improve blood circulation in the entire body, particularly the brain. That is why it is so often included in formulas for people with wandering minds, ADHD, and other learning challenges.
Though the tea is far from delicious I do enjoy the effects. Sometimes when I am craving caffeine in the afternoon I go for a ginkgo leaf tea instead. Overtime I would really love to be a person that sits down and completes my work without procrastination or day dreaming. I am hoping that the brain boosting medicine of ginkgo can help me with that.
Without a doubt, a jewel of nature that you have the privilege of enjoying...
By the way, the cat is a beautiful model!
So glad you noticed my cat! Her name is Paprika and she likes to accompany me while I garden and harvest herbs 🐈⬛🌿
Excellent! :)
I've planted a ginko in my backyard like 10 years ago :)
In the last years I pick up the leaves before they get yellow...although I'm sure they're gonna be more potent after some more years...
Yeah!! The yellow leaves are so beautiful!! I will collect those when fall rolls around. So nice to have a ginkgo in the yard
Interesting. Is this ginkgo tree a rare tree or someone can find it any place? Is it also good for all part of the body?
I have seen it in the United States as well as Argentina. It comes from China originally. Mostly it is used to improve the circulation.
This is interesting. I've never seen this tree, but I'd love to have it in my country. I could use the benefits of it. You are lucky to have access to it.
A lot of cities plant them in parks these days. At least I see them often in the United Statea but it isnt so common in Argentina. You might be able to find it in a plant nursery. Its Latin name is Ginkgo bilaboa
I live in Europe so the climate may not be suitable for growing. Who knows.