Limiting the Effects of the Ginkgo Biloba

When in doubt, it is often a good course of action to follow traditional Chinese customs. Take for example the Ginkgo Biloba. Recent studies suggest that the Ginkgo tree has potential medicinal value. There are positive results for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and increased blood flow throughout the human body. The science is yet young on the real effectiveness of the ginkgo tree, but in Germany, Tebonin, which is made from ginkgobil extract, is not only in production, but already in use. The potential medicinal value of the ginko tree is already being put to the test.

But in accordance to Chinese tradition in custom, the seeds of the ginkgo tree is used only in certain occasions. The most frequent use of the seeds are during the celebrations of the Chinese New Year, where adding the seeds into a congee is supposed to bring long life and happiness throughout the year. Another occasion for use of the congee dish with ginkgo seeds is during weddings, where long life and many children are the hopes of the tradition.

Today, what science knows to be true is that the ginkgo tree is harmed only by very few insects. The chemicals found in the tree are relatively harmless, but when consumed over long periods of time, the effects can be serious. The Chinese tradition allows only for at most only several occasions for eating ginkgo – a dosage low enough to be positively effective, yet negatively negligible