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Ginkgo Leaves Organic |
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Ginkgo Leaves Organic
GINKGO LEAVES - Organic
Ginkgo biloba
History and Folklore
Ginkgo is the great-grandfather of all trees, a living bridge across time, reaching back to the dim prehistoric beginnings of life on earth. Ginkgo belongs to one of the oldest known plant families, whose fossil record goes back some 300 million years. Ginkgoes already colonized the earth before the dinosaurs evolve and many aeons before the first humanoids were born. Back in those primordial days there were many species of Ginkgo, but they were all swept away in the successive waves of mass extinctions that repeatedly wiped the life from the surface of our planet. All, but Ginkgo biloba, which today is the only species in the only genus of the prehistoric order of ginkgo plants. Ginkgoes are neither deciduous nor coniferous, they actually form a distinct order of their own. Throughout their ancient history they have managed to survive by virtue of their adaptability. Yet, had it not been for Buddhist monks in Japan and Southeast Asia, who held these trees sacred and tended them in their temple gardens, Ginkgoes would be extinct today. Although once upon a time they were widespread throughout the temperate climate zone, today they only survive in cultivated stands. They made their comeback to Europe some 200 years ago and after it transpired that this tree is extremely resistant to environmental toxins and even to radiation the world of science is lavishing new attention on this grand-father tree. In Hiroshima, 800 meters from the epicentre of the world's most devastating nuclear explosion a Gingko tree, which was believed to have been destroyed like everything else in its surroundings, began to sprout a fragile sprig of hope just one year after the cataclysmic event. Today that sprig has grown into a tree once more, symbolizing hope and the immortal power of nature and life.
Medicinal Uses:
In China Ginkgo is well known as a tonic that ensures longevity and vitality. It is an excellent stimulant for the circulation, particularly the peripheral circulation and the flow of blood to the brain, which has proven to be of great service to age related conditions, such as memory loss, loss of nerve function, e.g. ocular degeneration and tinnitus. Numerous pharmaceuticals for age-related conditions today are based on Ginkgo, which are among the most frequently prescribed drugs. Gingko is a powerful anti-oxidant which kills free radicals and can thus help prevent many conditions that are at least partly caused by these scavengers. In China Ginkgo is also considered very helpful for respiratory conditions and is often prescribed for asthma and allergies. The nuts, which are edible, are considered aphrodisiac, although the effect is more tonic than stimulant..
Magical Uses:
Considering the survival skills of this ancient tree, it is not surprising that it should have come to symbolize longevity, the undying life-force and hope against all odds. The split nature of its leaves imply a symbolism of duality as opposites are united in one form. Ginkgo nuts are considered an elixir of life and are used to build potency, stamina and virility and are also associated with fertility, More than any other tree, Ginkgo has become the beloved tree of philosophers and poets.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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