Gingko Biloba
( 银杏/白果 ) ...Chinese Herb...

Latin Plant Name

Ginkgo Biloba

Pinyin Mandarin Name

Ying Xing or Bai Guo

Common English Name

Ginkgo Nut

Part of Plant Used

Seed

Nature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet, bitter

Meridians Entered

Lungs, Kidneys

Common Usages

Gingko seeds are used to treat chronic coughs, asthma, tuberculosis, bladder infections, frequent urination, and leukorrhea (TCM: deficient Lung Qi; deficient Kidney yin; damp heat).

Traditional Usages and Functions

Consolidates Lung Qi, strengthens Lungs, and relieves wheezing and coughing; expels phlegm; astringes damp heat and stops discharges; stabilizes Lower Burner.

Common Formulas Used In

Gingko seeds are more properly considered a food and are used alone, raw or cooked, as a nutritional supplement. They are also used in capsule form as a supplement to formulas that treat coughing and asthma, such as Ma Huang. Gingko root is most often used to treat chronic cases of involuntary ejaculation. Gingko leaves, in capsule or tablet forms, are renowned for their effectiveness in treating a wide variety of cerebral and circulatory problems, including migraine• headaches, vertigo, memory dysfunction, stroke, coronary thrombosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

Processing Required

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Remarks

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Cautions in Use

Do not use where there are excess cold-damp symptoms. The kernels are mildly toxic and should not be taken either in large quantities or over a long period of time. Use cautiously and in small doses with children. (Consultation with a practitioner is recommended.) The root and leaves are not toxic.

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