bubble_chart Source

This product is the mature seed of the Ginkgo biloba tree (Ginkgo biloba L.), a species of the Ginkgoaceae family. It is cultivated throughout the country. The seeds are harvested in autumn when they mature. The fleshy outer seed coat is removed, and the seeds are washed, slightly steamed or briefly boiled, then dried. The hard shell is removed, and the seeds are used either raw or stir-fried.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Sweet, bitter and astrigent, neutral. toxic. act on lung channel.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Astringing lung and relieve dyspnea, stop leucorrhea, reduce urination.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for asthma and phlegm cough. This product is astringent and has the ability to astringe the lung and relieve dyspnea, as well as resolve phlegm, making it commonly used for treating wheezing and cough. For deficiency-type dyspnea due to lung and kidney deficiency, it is combined with Schisandra Fruit, walnut kernel meat, etc., to improve qi reception and relieve dyspnea, constrain the lung and relieve panting. If cough and wheezing with phlegm are caused by wind-cold, it is combined with Ephedra, where the two work together to disperse and astringe, opening the lung to expel pathogens without depleting lung qi, and constraining the lung to relieve panting without retaining pathogens, as seen in the Shesheng Zhongmiao Fang's Duck Web Powder. For wheezing caused by external contraction of wind-cold with internal heat, it is combined with Ephedra, Skullcap Root, etc., such as in Panting-Arresting Decoction. For dry cough due to lung heat with no phlegm, it is combined with Asparagus Root, Ophiopogon Tuber, Coltsfoot Flower to moisten the lung and relieve cough. In modern times, it is combined with Earthworm, Skullcap Root, etc., to treat chronic bronchitis of the lung heat type.
2. Used for leukorrhea, white turbidity, frequent urination, enuresis, etc. This product is astringent and stabilizes the lower energizer. For women's leukorrhea due to spleen and kidney deficiency with clear discharge, it is suitable and often combined with Chinese Yam, Lotus Seed, silky fowl, etc., for mutual reinforcement. If it is dampness-heat leukorrhea with yellow, foul-smelling discharge, it is combined with Phelloendron Bark, Plantain Seed, etc., to clear dampness turbidity and stop leukorrhea, such as in Transforming Yellow Decoction. For frequent urination and enuresis, it is often combined with Prepared Rehmannia Root, Cornus Fruit, palmleaf raspberry fruit, etc., to tonify the kidney and reinforce astringency.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Bencao Gangmu: "Cooked, it warms the lungs and tonifies qi, relieves asthma and cough, stops leukorrhea; eaten raw, it reduces phlegm, detoxifies and kills worms; applied to the nose, face, hands, and feet, it removes blisters, chapped skin, and treats scabies, ringworm, malnutrition, and pubic lice." "Excessive consumption can lead to excessive astringency, causing qi stagnation, abdominal distension, and dizziness. ... The 'Sanyan Yanshou Shu' states: In the past, there were hungry people who ate ginkgo seeds as a substitute for food until they were full, and they all died the next day."
2. Bencao Biandu: "It astringes lung metal to relieve cough and counterflow, and descends damp turbidity to resolve phlegm and saliva."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct 5-10g, crush before use.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

This product is toxic and should not be used excessively; special care should be taken with children.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Ginkgo seeds contain protein, fat, starch, cyanogenic glycosides, vitamin B2, and various amino acids; the outer seed coat contains toxic components such as ginkgo seed acid, hydrogenated ginkgo seed acid, ginkgo seed phenol, and ginkgo seed alcohol. Various parts of the ginkgo seed, particularly ginkgo seed acid, can inhibit the growth of subcutaneous node bacteria and exhibit varying degrees of antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro. Overconsumption of ginkgo seeds can lead to poisoning, manifesting as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cyanosis, unconsciousness, convulsions, and in severe cases, respiratory paralysis leading to death.

bubble_chart Supplementary Medicinals

Ginkgo leaf: The leaf of the ginkgo tree, primarily composed of ginkgo flavonoids. It has a bitter and astringent taste and a neutral nature. Its functions include constraining the lung and relieving panting, as well as dredging collaterals and alleviating pain. It is used for cough and panting due to lung deficiency, as well as for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease with colicky pain, and cerebrovascular spasms. It can be decocted and taken in doses of 5-10g, or made into tablets or injections.