Sorry about the delay in this weeks lessons. First plant this week is the Ginkgo Tree. Yes, you have homework this time. One section of the lesson below will be missing, and I want you to fill it out for me. Just post below, giving the needed information. Anything related to the missing topic will be accepted. (For instance, if the history section is blank, just give me one or two facts about its history.)
Family: Ginkgoaceae; no other members of this family.
Genus and species: Ginkgo Biloba (makes me think of Bilbo from LOTR)
AKA: Maiden Hair Tree
Parts Used: Leaves.
Heres an image of
The Ginkgo TreeHeres an image of
The Ginkgo LeafHistory: Ginkgo is the oldest type of surviving tree on Earth. Amazing huh? No, not the OLDEST tree, just the type that’s been here the longest. In China’s first great Herbal, Pen Tsao Ching (The Classic of Herbs) it was termed: “good for the heart and lungs.”
Ancient Chinese and Japanese also roasted ginkgo seeds as a digestive aid and to prevent drunkenness.
India associated it with long life and used it as one might use the elixir of life. It was an ingredient in their longevity elixir, Soma.
Ginkgo was introduced to Europe in 1730, now they are popular street and park trees in the allowing world. (or the areas that will allow for its growth anyways.) However, when it was introduced, European Herbalists ignored it, leaving no history for it in Western Herbology. Today, though, they feel much different, as Ginkgo is one of Europe’s most widely prescribed medications.
Medicinal: Are you ready for this? I will tell you the reason Ginkgo works on so many illnesses, but I want you
( as homework) to tell me what diseases it can cure, as there are at least 11 disease/issues that it helps with. The reason it works: The herb has the ability to interfere with the action of a substance the body makes that is called Platelet Activation Factor. (PAF) PAF is involved in many biological processes. Ginkgo works by prohibiting PAF, and therefore aiding in many conditions associated with aging. (that’s your hint by the way)
Making the Meds: Ginkgo is not usually available as a bulk herb, although many company’s do offer commercial preparations. Most of these are in pill form, so no worries about taste!
Even if you have a Ginkgo tree, don’t just brew up a tea for the benefits, as it takes a lot of leaves to make a medicine, and commercial versions are preferable.
Safety: PAF plays a key factor in blood clotting, so don’t use it if you have problems with blood clot disorders. Some of the people taking very high doses have reported irritability, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Cooking: not a culinary food.
Correspondences: Magic Uses: Longevity, healing, fertility, aphrodisiac. Can’t find anything for planets or whatnot.
Growing: This tree comes in Male and Female. The two produce totally different flowers, and the females flowers make a very, very, VERY foul smelling fruit, for the sake of your nose, and your neighbor’s nose, plant only the male tree.
Plant them in well-drained soil, and tie them to stakes to ensure a straight growth. Water regularly until the plant is about 20 feet tall, where it will take care of itself.
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NOTE: PLEASE SEEK A DOCTORS ADVICE BEFORE ADMISTERING YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. SOME PLANTS CAN CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTIONS WHICH CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. End Note: If you like, you can leave your email address in my pm and then classes can also commence in a chat, although summaries of what was talked about and gone over will be posted here. If you have any questions or would like to study other aspects, please feel free to say so. Thank you! *this concludes lesson six*
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