Ginkgo
Ginkgo Detailed Encyclopedia
Ginkgo is an ancient medicinal plant with blood-activating, memory-improving, and cardiovascular-protective properties. Known as a living fossil, it is one of the oldest tree species on Earth, widely distributed throughout China, and an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
Basic Information
Family：Ginkgoaceae
Scientific Name：Ginkgo biloba
Origin：Distributed throughout China
Harvest Period：Autumn (September-October for seeds, summer for leaves)
Growth Years：20+ years to bear fruit
Plant Height：20-40 meters
Morphological Characteristics
Leaves：Fan-shaped, bilobed, parallel veins, turn golden yellow in autumn
Flowers：Dioecious, male catkins, female solitary, blooming April-May
Roots：Deep taproot system
Stem：Tall trunk, grayish-brown bark, deeply furrowed
Growth Environment
Soil Requirements：Adaptable, prefers deep fertile loam, pH 5.5-7.5
Water Requirements：Drought-tolerant, moderate watering
Light Requirements：Sun-loving, requires full sunlight
Temperature Requirements：15-25°C, cold-tolerant, can withstand -30°C
Humidity Requirements：Relative humidity 50-70%
Classification & Varieties
Main Varieties
Processing Types
💊 Medicinal Value
Nature & Taste：Sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral
Meridian：Enters Lung, Heart meridians
Main Efficacies
- •Improves memory, enhances cognitive function, prevents dementia
- •Activates blood circulation, improves blood flow, protects cardiovascular system
- •Antioxidant and anti-aging, eliminates free radicals, delays aging
- •Relieves asthma and stops cough, treats chronic cough and asthma
- •Nourishes kidney and consolidates essence, treats frequent urination and leucorrhea
Active Ingredients
📖 Usage Methods
Dosage
- •Decoction: Leaves 6-12g, Seeds 5-10g
- •Powder: 1-3g
- •Stew: Seeds cooked with food
- •Tea: Dried leaves steeped in water
⚠️ Contraindications
- •Seeds are slightly toxic, do not eat raw or in excess
- •Use with caution in hemorrhagic diseases
- •Pregnant women use under medical supervision
- •Children should not eat raw seeds
🌱 Cultivation Techniques
Cultivation Points
- •Select sunny location with deep soil
- •Deep tillage, apply organic fertilizer
- •Spring or autumn planting, plant spacing 3-5m
- •Timely pruning, moderate watering and fertilizing
Common Pests & Diseases
Prevention Measures：Strengthen tree management, maintain ventilation
Treatment Methods：Spray bordeaux mixture or carbendazim at early stage
✂️ Harvest & Processing
Harvest Timing：Autumn September-October for seeds, summer June-August for leaves
Harvest Method：Collect fallen seeds, pick green leaves
Processing Methods
- •Fresh leaves: Wash and use directly
- •Dried leaves: Shade-dry to preserve active compounds
- •Ginkgo seeds: Remove outer flesh, dry inner seeds
Storage：Store in cool, dry place, seeds can be refrigerated
🏛️ Cultural Value
History：Ginkgo has existed for over 200 million years, used in Chinese medicine for over 1000 years
Symbolism：Symbolizes longevity, resilience, and hope
Gift Culture：Traditional symbol of longevity and vitality
Modern Research：Modern research confirms cognitive-enhancing, circulatory-improving, and neuroprotective effects
Market Value：Important medicinal material and health supplement, widely used worldwide