Scientific name: Gingko Biloba L.

Other names: Duck foot tree, Maidenhair tree, Silver apricot

Gingko is a gymnosperm, related to conifer trees. It is an ancient living tree, hailing from the days of the dinosaurs. Gingko, in other words is the world’s oldest extant tree. It is a tree that is native to China.

The leaves of the gingko tree are broad and shaped like fans. The orangey yellow fruit contains butyric acid which gives them their characteristic disagreeable odor. Gingko fruits grow only on the female trees. The male trees are often planted in parks and such as ornamental trees.

Gingko trees were almost extinct at one point in time. The ice age destroyed their natural habitats and it was thought that there were no more gingkos in China until the late 18th century. A discovery was made in a remote monastery where gingko trees had been cultivated by generations of monks.

The nuts, encased in the smelly fruit, come into season in mid to late fall. The shell of the nut is thin, and the flesh is green in color. Gingko nuts are prized by the Chinese and are integrated into their cooking. When extracting the nuts from the fruits, it is advisable to wear gloves as protection. Apart from the smell, some people develop a rash similar to that of poison ivy. Rinse the nuts well before using.

The nuts must be cooked before eating and can be boiled or baked. Shelled nuts are great as snacks or in rice pilafs. It can be stir fried with vegetables and used in herbal soups.

Medicinal uses: Recent research studies have found that gingko biloba extracts can improve the memory, improve blood circulation, stimulate the immune system. Take 120 to 240 mg of gingko biloba extract to improve memory, depression and to treat tinnitus. Please consult your physician before taking any supplements.

It's been documented that harm from Gingko Biloba has occured.