8 practical facts on ginkgo and its many healing effects

Ginkgo is the oldest known tree species, dating back to the Jurassic and the Triassic years, even before the appearance of flowering plants. The only surviving species of its family, it is very rare in nature. Here is some useful information about the ginkgo.

• They are resistant trees, deciduous trees, with deciduous leaves shaped like notched palms that turn bright yellow in autumn. Catkins are found on the male plants.
• Female plants bear flowers and fruits resembling plums, with an unpleasant odour, which contain edible seeds the size of an almond, and are very popular in China and Japan.
• Ginkgo trees live for a very long time, grow slowly (they are adults at 20 years), and they are very decorative.
• In small spaces, it is better to select a form with a narrow, straight shape (fastigiated) or small varieties that can also grow in trays, the natural height of a ginkgo reaching 20 metres (66 feet).

• The parts used are the leaves and the fruit. Scientific research has identified certain pharmacological benefits of the ginkgo leaf, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its beneficial effect on blood flow in the arteries, veins and capillaries, as well as the protection of other cells of the body.
• All of these properties explain why ginkgo is used in numerous pathologies, particularly against the loss of memory and concentration in the elderly, and in the treatment and prevention of certain dementias, including Alzheimer's disease.
• Clinical studies have shown that ginkgo may be effective in treating certain circulatory problems such as intermittent claudication due to arterial insufficiency of the lower limbs and resulting in numbness, pain and cramping, and Raynaud's syndrome, a circulatory disorder of the fingers and toes.
• Clinical trials also suggest the use of ginkgo in case of dizziness, tinnitus, asthma and PMS.
• Do not take ginkgo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless by medical advice.

• The two fastigiated varieties "Princeton Sentry" and "Autumn Gold" are excellent male clones.
• Ginkgo sometimes produces aerial roots called chichis that can take root. There are also weeping and variegated ginkgos.

Ginkgos prefer sunny exposure and good soil drainage. They tolerate pollution and are often present in urban areas.

• Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe. The identified varieties can be grafted or you can a grow them from a cutting (semi-hardened) in the summertime.
• If you want fruit, transplant a male plant with one or more female plants.

• They need little need pruning, but think of trimming them down a bit and shaping them at the end of winter when they are still dormant.

• There are no major problems.

• Harvest ripe fruit when it falls to extract its seeds.
• The leaves have a small concentration of assets and require specific treatment, so it is unrealistic to make extracts at home.