Herb Finder
Add Herb Finder to Your Website!
Update Your Account Information
Yin-hsing | | Name : | Yin-hsing | | Synonyms : | Ginkgonut
MaidenhairTree
Yin-hsing(Chinese name)
| | Parts Used : | Leaves, nuts (seeds) | | Habitat : | Native to China and Japan and closely related to conifers. Cultivatedin the United States. | | Description : | Theginkgo is a large, picturesque tree that grows up to 100 feet,with attractive fan-shaped and bright green slightly ruffles leaves.Seeds are yellow. It is often planted as a street tree, because itis not fussy about growing conditions and is virtually pest and diseasefree. Mostly male trees are planted; the female trees produce a yellowishfruit that emits a fetid odor after it ripens and drops.
Although the ginkgo will grow in most situations, it does best infull sun and very well-drained soil, with moisture supplied throughoutthe growing season. Purchase well-branched male plants, making surethat the tree is not potbound. Set out in the fall or early spring,keeping weeds away from the small seedlings. The ginkgo is hardy inthe North.
Variations: Aurea has yellow leaves; variegata has yellowand green.
Another variety: The Chinese grow a ginkgo tree that is 20-39feet high, grows south of the Yangtse (Salisburia Adiantifolia)that they call Yin-hsing. | | Constituents : | Ginkgolides and heterosides, volatile oil tannins, resin
Seeds: astringent, expectorant, sedative, antitussive, anti-fungal,antibacterial
Leaves: relax blood vessels, circulatory stimulant | | Uses : | Ginkgo biloba expels mucus from bronchiolesand lungs, stops wheezing, inhibits cough, stops leucorrhea, regulatesurination, stops spermatorrhea. The ripe fruit, having been maceratedin sesame oil for 100 days, has been successfully usedin China for the treatment of tuberculosis.The 24 to 1 extract of the leaf is now a popular herbalproduct for a wide variety of vascular problems, especially increasingvascular circulation to the brain for the treatment of dementia andpossibly Alzheimer'sdisease.
Improves memory loss, brain function, cerebral and peripheral circulation,oxygenation, and bloodflow. Relieves signs of senility, phlebitis,depression. Good for vertigoand tinnitus, asthma,Alzheimer's disease,allergies, coughs, colds,flu, inflammations,hemorrhoids, positive effecton the vascular system, increases blood flow to the brain and lowerextremities, heart and kidney disorders, and glucose utilization.
The seed is considered a delicacy in Japan; it is used in steamedegg custard. Ginkgo is also used in medicines for the respiratory.Researchers are testing it with elderly people to see if it improvesstrength and mental acuity. | | Dosage : | Since the nuts are slightly toxic, they should NOT be taken in largedoses over a long period of time. The shells are an antidote to thenuts and may be taken with them to help alleviate side-effects. Toxicsymptoms include headache, fever, tremors, irritability, and dyspnea(difficult breathing).
Licorice also may be used antidotally if the fruits are used.
Dosage is 3-9 gms. (less if fresh) | | Safety : | Mildly toxic. Long-term use is believed to be safe. No known seriousside effects have been reported. However, do not exceed recommendeddoses, this may lead to temporary skin disorders and headaches. Casesof contact dermatitis with the fruit pulp, which is not used medicinally,have been recorded. | | Myths : | The Ginkgo is a 'living fossil', the only surviving species of thelarge order that existed alongside the dinosaurs and was long believedto be extinct.
The name 'Ginko' comes from the Chinese, meaning 'silver fruit' or'white nuts.' Grows abundantly south of the Yangtse and in regionsof the Far East, cultivated in the United States and Europe.
Chinese herbalists have used ginkgo biloba for over 5,000 years.It is said the trees date back as long ago as 200 millionyears and we are just now beginning to understand its medicinal value.The wild trees are probably extinct now for centuries. One of themost researched herbs, a great deal of the research is being donein France and other European countries where it is commonly prescribed.
Studies show that this herb is an antioxidant, meaning it slows theformation of compounds called free radicals which are believed tobe the cause of premature aging, cancer, and other conditions.
A professor of chemistry at Harvard University, Dr. Elias J.Corey, in 1988 synthesized a ginkgo compound called ginkgolideB. This new compound is being investigated as a potential drugto prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. | | Sold : | Capsules, tablets, or tincture
Tablets: take 40 mg. capsules or tablets 3 timesdaily.
Extract of the leaves or a tea made from the leaves are safe to takefor long periods without problems. Maximum daily doses should be approximately120 mg. per day. |
|
|
