Ginkgo Biloba: Ancient Tree of the Dinosaur Era, Stop Hair Loss and Increase Circulation

The oldest tree species in the world, dating from the time of the dinosaurs, Ginkgo biloba (bi-loba, two sided leaf) is the last remaining species of the Ginkgoales order. Fossil records show the species was once widespread in Asia and North America, and it is speculated that it was saved from extinction by monks in the far east who cultivated it secretly as a sacred tree. Each tree can live for more than a thousand years, immune to bugs, disease and pollution. The tree grows to 100 feet tall and has fan-like leaves and yellow-green fetid smelling fruits. If you are lucky enough to have access to a mature tree, take advantage of the fresh leaves, which contain the broadest spectrum of medicinal properties.

It is hardy and deciduous with unusual fan shaped light green leaves with unusual veining. Beautiful yellow autumn colour. The male and female flowers grow on seperate trees and seed is formed in a similar way to spores of ferns.
Most people choose to grow male maidenhair trees, since mature females drop foul-smelling fruit. It takes 20 years for the trees to mature in order to distinguish the sex, and it is impossible to tell the sex of the tree from the seeds. As a result, most maidenhair trees are sold as males grafted on rootstock. They grow up to 80 feet tall, so make sure your site is large enough for a tree this size.

• Common Names
• Ginkgo biloba
• Botanical Name
• Ginkgo biloba L.
• Family
• Ginkgoaceae

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Growing Ginkgo Biloba – Gardening Basics

Germinate with fresh seed in the light at about 20 to 24C. Alternatively place in a cold frame for germination in 4-6 months or longer.

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 21°C / 70°F to ensure good germination.

Keep potting up and plant in its final position at 5 years old. As Ginkgo biloba is hardy, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out – wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

– UK unavailable

– US Purchase seeds 

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Important Growing Information:

DAYS TO GERMINATION:The best time to plant maidenhair trees is in the spring. These plants do well as container specimens, so it’s fine to leave small plants in a container until spring. Just don’t leave it outdoors during winter; move it indoors and keep it in a sunny window until the weather warms.

SOWING:Place the tree in the hole and cover the roots with soil. Tamp down the soil around the tree and water the ground
thoroughly. Maidenhair trees grow slowly for their first few years, so don’t expect any substantial growth until the plant is older.Direct seed (recommended): Where plants are to bloom in early spring, sow as soon as soil can be worked. Cover seeds with 1/4″ of soil. Thin when the first true leaves appear.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun/Part Shade.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:They will grow in almost any soil, including clay, sand or loam. The soil should drain well, but established plants will tolerate occasional sogginess. Maidenhair trees are also tolerant of various soil pH levels. They will thrive in either acidic or alkaline soils.

HARDINESS ZONE: 3 – 8

 

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Flower Arrangements

not applicable, but can be made into a nice bonsai tree.

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Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

• Medicinal Uses: * Allergies * Alopecia/baldness * Asthma * Bronchitis * Chinese* Circulation * Eyes/Vision * Libido * Longevity Tonics * Memory/Focus * Varicose Veins
• Properties: * Anti-inflammatory * AntiCancer * Antidepressant * Antioxidant * Antitussive* Astringent * Cordial * Tonic * Vasodilator
• Parts Used: Leaves and Nuts
• Constituents: gibberellin, cytokinin-like substances, ginkgolic acid, bilobol, ginnol, aspartine, calcium

How to Use: Ginkgo Biloba

The bilobalides, ginkgolides, flavonoids, and other substances unique to the tree restore better blood flow to all parts of the body but particularly to the brain, allowing improved use of oxygen. Ginkgo’s antioxidant actions also stabilize the structure of brain and nerve cells and protect them from oxidative attacks from free radicals. Research indicates ginkgo action of supporting healthier circulation in the eyes, make it an herb of choice for natural treatment eye health and macular degeneration.

Ginkgo’s hallmark effect is increased circulation, which is important in maintaining our energy level and one of the factors in stopping early hair loss. Increasing genital blood flow heightens responsiveness, making for higher libido in both men and women. Good circulation means getting the full benefit from the foods we eat and the vitamins and herbal supplements we take. Recently Ginkgo leaf has been studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

Allergies and asthma also improve with ginkgo. The herb contains a dozen different anti-inflammatory chemicals and seven natural antihistamines.

Preparation Methods & Dosage :Ginkgo can be taken in tincture, teas,and capsules. Make ginkgo tea as an infusion.

Traditional Chinese Medicine The earliest know reference to ginkgo is in the Chinese Materia Medica, in apx 2,800 B.C and the seeds and root have been used in TCM for thousands of years to combat mental decline.

Ginkgo Side Effects: Avoid Ginkgo if you are taking MAOI for depression. If you are taking blood thinners, ginkgo enhances the effect so talk to your doctor.

Additional Resources

Medicinal uses: http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail472.php

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/time-plant-ginkgo-biloba-tree-42024.html

Herbal Preparations and research: https://theherbarium.wordpress.com

http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm