Ginkgo: A Personal Journey and Ancient Wisdom

by Yani Castro November 17, 2023

Ginkgo is a herb very close to my heart. My story with ginkgo began when I started studying for my degree in naturopathy. I would see a big ginkgo tree on the way to the college, and through the difficult challenges of being a student, the ginkgo tree was always there for me. One day my son started picking up the ginkgo leaves to make into a herbal infusion, and I just had this vision, this intuition of the ginkgo being part of my business branding.

Ginkgo botanical name is Ginkgo biloba, and is often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its ancient lineage. The tree is native to China and are easily recognisable by their distinct fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgo has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Various parts of the tree, including the leaves and seeds, are believed to have medicinal properties.

Ginkgo extract is commonly used as a dietary supplement and is believed to enhance memory and cognitive function. It is thought to improve blood flow to the brain and act as an antioxidant. Ginkgo biloba is also used to alleviate symptoms of peripheral artery disease, a condition where blood flow to the limbs is restricted. The nuts or seeds of the ginkgo tree are edible, though they are not as commonly consumed as other nuts. They are a traditional ingredient in Chinese cuisine and are often used in savoury and sweet dishes.