Ginkgo, Bái Guǒ, 白果, Semen Ginkgo Biloba

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

AboutBotanyChinese MedicineCaution
Health Benefits
For: Cough • Wheezing • Vaginal discharge • Cloudy urine • Incontinence • Spermatorrhea
Attributes: antibiotic, expectorant, brochodilator, hypotensive, uterine stimulant[18] • anticancer, antidementia, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antilipidemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antilipid peroxidation, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidepressant, antiaging, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective effects and is frequently used to treat neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, such as tardive dyskinesia 
Products (online examples)

 

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Research (sample)
Articles:
Constituents: 
Ginnol, bilobol, ginkgolic acid, hydroginkgolic acid, ginkgolinic acid, ginkgol, anacardic acid, protein, lipids, carbohydrates [18]

Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Other Names: Yin Shan Zheng Yao
Species

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Growth
TBD TBD
Ginkgo Biloba is not in the USDA Plant Database.  Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:

USA: Ginkgo Biloba USDA Zones:  

Native: 

Habitats: 

Category: Phlegm Cough + Wheezing 
English: Ginkgo    Pinyin:  Bai Guo      Pharmaceutical: Semen Ginkgo Biloba  
Organs: Lung • Kidney      Temperature: Neutral  
Taste: Sweet • Bitter • Astringent • Mildly toxic      Toxicity: mildly toxic - use gan cao or boil ginkgo shell to reduce toxicity • Pound open seeds prior to decocting  
Patterns: Lung Deficiency, Phlegm Heat,  
Actions:  Stabilize Lung Qi • Stop cough • Calm wheezing • Stop discharge • Stabilize urination
Indications: Cough/wheezing with lung heat sputum, phlegm heat asthma, unproductive cough from Lung Dryness or from Kidney Deficiency, chronic respiratory disorders, clear or yellow vaginal discharge • cloudy urine • urinary incontinence, spermatorrhea [18]
Contraindications: Not for long term use. Excess or exterior syndromes. Pregnancy. Lung Yin Deficiency with sticky and copious sputum[18]
Typical Dosage: 1.5g to 9g; do not overdose          Guidelines
Parts Used:       Notable for: Treat Spermatorrhea
Other:
Dui Yao
None found
Combine With Purpose
Ma Huang + Su Zi + Kuan Dong Hua + Ban Xia + Sang Bai Pi + Xing Ren Asthma, dyspnea, or cough
Sang Bai Pi + Chan Tui + Mai Men Dong Chronic cough with loss of voice
Ge Jie Chronic wheezing from Kidney and Lung Qi Deficiency
Huang Qin + Sang Bai Pi Stop wheezing (Ding Chuan Tang)
E Jiao + Sha Shen + Dang Shen Weak dry cough
Chan Tui + Mai Men Dong _ Dang Bai Pi + Xuan Shen Chronic aphasia and dryness
Formulas with Bai Guo
Ding Chuan TangYi Huang Tang
Notes
I would use this for patients with chronic asthma, particularly those with clear signs of Lung deficiency. This herb is slightly toxic but is a common herb found in Chinese household and are often found in soup. Bai Guo is usually sold after it has been processed by dry frying.

Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
Potential Drug Interactions

Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs.  Examples below:

Herbs: slightly toxic, do not overdose

Pharma Drugs:hypertensive medication, blood clotting medication

[3], [5], [8]

Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience.  While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts,  variations may result from the numerous English translations.   Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs.  The information here is strictly for educational purposes. 

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