I walked out of Asheville's Climbing gym, Climbmax, and my friend says, "Check out this tree..." before I even allow him to finish his sentence, I exclaim, "Its a Ginko Tree!!!"
Photo from: http://old.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/plants/Ginkgo.html
My friend wanted to tell me that this species is one of the oldest known tree genus in history. According to a college in Texas, this species has been around for over 80 million years (http://old.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/plants/Ginkgo.html). They go on to say that it no longer exists in wild, its only propagated. So why have humans been propagating this tree for so many years????
Michael Tierra writes in "The Way of the Herbs", that "this leaf can be used for improving blood circulation to the brain, improving peripheral blood circulation, tinnitus, Alzheimer's and senility, to improve one's mood and sociability, arthritic and rheumatic problems, arteriosclerosis, eye weakness caused by poor circulation, vertigo, anxiety and tension, lung and bronchial congestion" (Tierra). Herbalist, Amanda McQuade, says "Gingko is used to treat or improve memory, mental efficiency ability to concentrate, sociability and mood especially in the senile and aged" (Tierra). Rosemary Gladstar says its good for increasing memory, emotional stability and energy.
This species is one of my favorites to use in teas. It is an excellent tonic for the brain. I discovered this secret when I was an undergrad and I will swear by it. My brain functions much faster and crisper when I am drinking this leaf as a tea. I can feel the results after just a few days.
This is my favorite Gingko Leaf Tea Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar's homestudy course:
Brainy Brew
1pt Peppermint
1pt Lemon Balm
1pt Gota Kola
2pts Ginko leaves
You can mix and match any of these herbs. I made a tea today that was just peppermint and ginko leaves (which I picked from the magical tree my friend showed me), and it tasted great. Gingko can be somewhat bitter, but it is actually mild in a tea and can be mixed with anything.
When I use this herb, I use it in mass quantities. I am talking about 16 to 20oz of the tea five times a week (your body can build a tolerance if you use any herb everyday). Rosemary Gladstar says that inorder for Gingko to be effective, it must be used consistently for 2 to 4 months, although I can feel the effects after just a few days of drinking the tea. "Gingko works as a nutrient, not a drug, so it is necessary to be consistent and to use an adequate amount," Gladstar writes.
I have yet to experience any side effect from taking too much of it. Michael Tierra warns that dermatitis, irritability, restlessness, diarrhea and vomiting, are possible side effects but are rare.
Resources:
Gladstar, Rosemary. "Science and Art of Herbalism; A Home-Studay Course" Last updated October 2010.
Tierra, Michael. "The Way of Herbs" Last updated 1998 by Pocket Books.
***both these resources are excellent and I highly recommend Tierra's book for anyone just getting into herbs that wants to know a variety of information about them. Its easy to read and to use.
"Gingko Biloboa; Maidenhair Tree" Texas Arkansas College?
(http://old.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/plants/Ginkgo.html)
I can't use any herbal remedies (and I'm assuming teas) up to two weeks before my surgery, so maybe after I'll start again, especially herbs that help tendons heal.
ReplyDeleteI recommend using a plantain poultice. Just pick some on your way out from the crag, stick it in your mouth (or get it wet with water), chew and put the wad on the injury. Wrap it with another leaf or a piece of tape. It's kinda ghetto, but should work.
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