MEDICINAL PLANTS

The ginkgo tree is a relatively new in our latitudes. For this reason no other popular names, at least in our country. It is a tall tree, green in summer, with highly branched cone-shaped cup. The trunk, upright, it becomes quite thick. The leaves are arranged in a spiral, are long stalked and limbs varied. It has male and female flowers. The seeds are the size of a plum, yellow and fleshy inside. In Spain, only grows cultivated, it is not from here, comes from China. It can currently be found with relative ease, but never spontaneously.

FLOWERING

Ginkgo flowers between April and September. Part of collection of most interest for therapeutic purposes is the leaf of these leaves are extracted active principles discussed below.

APPLICATIONS

In the composition of ginkgo biloba flavonoids compounds found especially: rutosides, Querceta kenferol, quercetol derivatives, derivatives and biflavonas of apigenol epicatecol. All these compounds as complicated nomenclature generally have a brain and peripheral vasodilation, capillary protector, antivaricose, venotonic, diuretic, and antiplatelet strengthener of capillary resistance. For these actions use is especially useful in varicose veins, cerebral circulatory insufficiency, haemorrhoids, capillary fragility, phlebitis, hypertension and prevention of thromboembolism. As shown by its actions and indications, is a plant especially recommended for elderly, where there is a clear decrease in the functionality of the circulatory system at all levels. The cerebral circulatory failure has a number of functional manifestations, such as dizziness, headaches, memory loss, decline of intellectual faculties, motility disorders, etc.. Ginkgo is also used to treat certain sequelae of stroke and traumatic brain injury. It is a plant that has virtually no side effects. Only in case of overdose, it is expected to appear nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. It is prepared by adding a teaspoon of ginkgo leaf to a cup of boiling water. This infusion can take up to 2 cups per day, preferably before meals.
Fluid extract. Once prepared, administered 25 to 50 drops, 3 times a day. You can also obtain the dry, administered either in capsule or other solid form.
Decoction. Can be prepared keeping the boiling water a few minutes. It should be sweetened with honey once cold, to reduce the bitterness. Also exist in the pharmaceutical tablets, extract of fresh leaves, rebulizado extract, tablets, tinctures, capsules, extracts standardized ginkgo ampoule oral solution, and so on. Always useful to recall the need to take it under medical supervision to avoid unpleasant side effects.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ginkgonaceas
HABITAT: Forests in Japan and China
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Sheets

USES

Strong vasodilator, Moderate Antihemorroidal, Mild diuretic.