The Ginkgo Biloba tree is the world's oldest living tree species. The trees today are unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs.
Botanical Name: Ginkgo Biloba L.
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Ginkgo Biloba is a Chinese herb also known as Maidenhair Tree, icho (Japanese), pai kuo yeh (Chinese). Yinhsing, Bai Guo Ye, Fossil Tree, Japanese Silver Apricot, Kew Tree, Forty-Coin Tree, Salisburia Adiantifolia and as many other names as there are provinces in China.
Ginkgo comes from the Chinese name Yin Kuo, and the Japanese Ginkyo which means "silver fruit" or "silver apricot". Biloba means two lobes, referring to the two lobes of the leaf which are divided by a groove down the middle of the leaf.
It is the world's oldest living tree species. The trees today are unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. Charles Darwin called it a living fossil. Before the last ice age Ginkgo Biloba was common in Asia, Europe and America. By the time of the last ice age the only surviving trees were in south-east China. Now they can be found all over the world and in just about every city in the United States. The trees are remarkably resistant to disease, pests, fires and air pollution. They often thrive in harsh city environments. It has been planted in China and Japan in temple gardens for generations. Individual trees can live over a thousand years, and I have read there are trees older than 3,000 years.
Trees are male and female with male and female flowers blooming on separate trees. They may take as long as 30 years to flower. Females produce fruits that become smelly as they ripen. The fruits contain an edible inner seed. In Japan seeds were traditionally eaten with alcohol drinks. There is an enzyme in the Ginkgo seed that is known to increase alcohol metabolism.
The first plant to grow in the city of Hiroshima after the atomic blast was a Ginkgo tree at the Hosenji Temple. That tree is alive today. You can see a photo of it here http://www.huis.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/~nomura/H/hichou1.html
Today the leaf extract is taken to improve short term memory, improve blood circulation to the brain and the extremities, treat tinnitus (ringing in the ear), slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease, lower blood pressure, inhibit blood clotting, protect arteries, veins, and capillaries from damage and regulate their tone and elasticity. The whole extract, rather than any single part of the extract, is thought to be responsible for the benefits of Ginkgo. Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, has become one of the most researched herbal extracts.
Ginkgo works gradually so when taking a Ginkgo extract, allow several weeks to get the full effects. Ginkgo extract has not been associated with severe side effects. but in some people the extract can cause mild side effects. If you experience headaches, dizziness, palpitations, diarrhea, or any kind of allergic reactions discontinue use and consult your herbalist or health care provider. You may be able to continue taking the extract at a smaller dosage. At this time, there are no known interactions with commonly prescribed drugs. The amount of insulin diabetics require may need adjustment. Ginkgo extract is extremely safe but, as always, before taking any herb during pregnancy or lactation consult with your health care provider.
This site has many great photos of the Ginkgo Biloba tree in Japan http://www.kyoboku.com/itefu/ichou1.html
The "Ginkgo Pages" shows how much people love this tree. It is one of the best sites around on Ginkgo http://www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/
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Jeanne Rose has been gracious enough to provide us with a excellent
CONDITIONING OIL and a BEVERAGE TEA FOR HAIR HEALTH.
Jeanne Rose is the founder of New Age Creations, the first body-care company in the United States to use aromatherapy (since 1967). She is the Director of the Institute of Aromatic Studies, principal tutor of both the Herbal Studies Course and the Aromatherapy Studies Course by home-study. She brings 30 years of experience and personal research in her practice of Aromatherapy. Visit Jeanne Rose's site here http://www.jeannerose.net. |
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CONDITIONING OIL
The finest mixture of conditioning oils is Jojoba, Rosemary and Basil. Equal parts of the oils are mixed, and 1 drop is used at a time. Put the conditioning oil on your hand, rub your hand across your brush, and then brush your hair. Remember to bend at the waist to release tension from the neck and shoulder muscles and brush from the nape of the neck all the way down to the ends of the hair. One or 2 drops of oil on the brush is more than adequate for your daily ritual. BEVERAGE TEA FOR HAIR HEALTH It is a well-known fact that shampoo and herbal hair rinse alone will not transform drab, lanky hair into a mane of shining glory. Good nutrition and daily exercise is most important. Various nutrients are needed to keep the hair in good shape, such as cysteine (500 mg. /day for at least 6 months), biotin and vitamins A, B6, and E. Various herbs can also supply needed hair nutrients- Nettle contains absorbable iron, Horsetail contains silica, Oats and Comfrey contain calcium, and Strawberry leaves and Lemongrass contain vitamin A. A vitamin- and nutrient-supplying mixture of herbs that can be drunk as a tea is: 2 oz each of Comfrey leaf, Nettle, Lemongrass, and Violet flowers or Strawberry leaves 1 ounce each of Kelp or Dulse, Beet tops, Alfalfa, and Lemon peel 1/2 oz each of Hibiscus flowers, Camomile (also spelled Chamomile), Oatstraw, Horsetail, and Mint These herbs are mixed and bottled in a dry, lightproof container and stored. The tea is brewed in the usual way, 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water, steeped, strained, and drunk. Honey can be added if desired. For best results the tea should be taken regularly over some period of time, 2-4 cups per day. Thank you Jeanne Rose |
Books by Jeanne Rose
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Here is the book that takes over where "Herbs & Things" leaves off.
This book is the second in the Jeanne Rose Herbal Series*, covering the plants that are used externally for a healthy, natural and beautiful body. The recipes cover caring for the face, hair and body perfect for aromatherapists and casual users alike.
List Price: $17.95 Our Price: $12.57 |
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The premier herbal that started the New Age (new & old) interest in the herbal wisdom of the past.
A compendium of practical and exotic herbal lore.
Usually ships in 24 hours List Price: $16.95 Our Price: $11.87 |