Ginkgo Leaf
银杏叶 · Yíngxìngyè
Ginkgo biloba
Family: Ginkgoaceae · Part used: Leaf · Origin: Pizhou, Jiangsu, China
Nature
Neutral
Flavor
Sweet, bitter, slightly pungent
Meridian
Lung, Heart
The ginkgo tree — 'grandfather-grandson tree' — has stood in Chinese temple courtyards for over a thousand years. While the seed (bai guo) is the classical medicine, the golden fan-shaped leaf is the modern blood-mover, supporting circulation to the brain and extremities and among the most researched botanicals in the world.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Invigorates blood and dispels stasis
- •Unblocks the channels and relieves pain
- •Calms wheezing (traditional use of related parts)
- •Supports cerebral and peripheral circulation
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Chest discomfort from blood stasis
- •Poor memory and concentration
- •Cold hands and feet
- •Tinnitus of vascular origin
- •Intermittent limb discomfort
📖 Usage & Dosage
3–6 g dried leaf as tea or 9–15 g in decoction; standardized extracts supply precise dosing in modern practice.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Ginkgo Leaf Tea
Dried ginkgo leaf 3 g steeped 10 minutes; drink daily for circulation support.
Ginkgo & Danshen Decoction
Ginkgo leaf 6 g + danshen 10 g — a heart-circulation support pairing.
🔬 Modern Research
Ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones (ginkgolides) are among the most clinically studied plant compounds, with research on cognitive function, peripheral circulation, and tinnitus.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication without professional guidance, and before surgery. Raw seeds are toxic — never consume unprocessed ginkgo nuts.
