Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba) — Bulk Dried Herb
Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo is one of the most extraordinary plants on earth — a living fossil whose distinctive fan-shaped leaves have remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years, making it the oldest surviving tree species on the planet. A sole survivor of an ancient order of plants that flourished during the age of the dinosaurs, Ginkgo biloba has outlasted mass extinctions, ice ages, and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, where six Ginkgo trees survived within 2 kilometers of the blast and continue to grow today. It is as much a botanical monument as it is a medicinal plant.
Our Ginkgo leaf is certified organic, cut and sifted to preserve its distinctive botanical character.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba
- Family: Ginkgoaceae (sole member of its family, order, and class)
- Common Names: Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree, Bai Guo Ye (TCM), Silver Apricot
- Plant Part Used: Leaf
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: China
- Appearance: Distinctive fan-shaped dried green to yellow-green leaf pieces with a central notch
- Aroma: Mildly earthy, slightly bitter, faintly grassy
- Flavor Profile: Mildly bitter, slightly astringent
About the Plant
Ginkgo biloba is a large deciduous tree that can grow to 35 meters in height and live for over 1,000 years. It is dioecious — producing separate male and female trees — and is wind-pollinated. The tree’s most distinctive feature is its unique fan-shaped leaves with a characteristic central notch, unlike any other plant on earth. Ginkgo was believed to be extinct in the wild until populations were discovered in remote mountain valleys of Zhejiang province in China in the 19th century. It has been cultivated in Chinese temple gardens for over a thousand years and was introduced to Europe in 1730, where it became a popular ornamental tree. The tree survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 — six trees within the blast radius resprouted the following spring and continue to grow today, making Ginkgo a powerful symbol of resilience and survival.
Traditional Context
Ginkgo has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over a thousand years, where the seeds (Bai Guo) are more commonly used than the leaves. The leaves (Bai Guo Ye) have been used in TCM and were adopted into Western botanical practice in the 20th century following extensive research in Europe, particularly in Germany and France. Ginkgo leaf extract became one of the most widely prescribed botanical preparations in Europe in the late 20th century and remains one of the most extensively researched botanicals in the world.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaf in hot water for 10–15 minutes
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction
- Herbal Blends: Pairs with Rosemary, Bacopa, and Eleuthero in cognitive support formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Ginkgo leaf maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Ginkgo may interact with blood-thinning medications. Not recommended before surgery. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.