Ginkgo Biloba Tree: A Study in Amazement

Strolling on the Smith College campus in Northampton, Massachusetts, we came across a giant of a tree.

Its huge trunk looked like it had been around for quite some time. It was easy to feel dwarfed while standing near this towering specimen.

Peering up into its branches, one could see tiny buds, harbingers of spring to come.  Glancing at the nameplate on the tree, it read "Ginkgo Biloba."

Now one comes across ginko biloba supplements in capsule form but I had no idea what they are used for. A little research came up with some amazing information.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, a ginko biloba tree can grow up to 120 feet and live for 1000 years!  It is the oldest living tree species. Its leaves contain chemicals believed to have potent antioxidant properties.

The medical center also reported the tree bears inedible fruit that has a strong odor.  Inside the fruit is a seed. The leaves from the tree are used to make some of the herbal medicines given for a variety of ailments.

For example, components from ginko biloba trees  have been used extensively in Europe to treat dimentia since they help to improve blood  flow to the brain.

The information that jumped out at me, however, is that ginko biloba is also used for people who have macular degeneration, an eye disease that's the number one cause of blindness in Americans. 

This runs in my family and my late maternal grandmother lost her sight entirely for six years before she died.

Who knows if ginkgo biloba supplements can really do some of the things they are known for but, to me, they are worth a try.

Each person must make her own determination whether to take supplements. It's always advisable to check first with medical doctors before taking supplements.

Think I'll pick some ginko the next time I go to the health food store.

Imagine!  All this, just from taking a walk on the Smith College campus.

Have You Ever Seen A Ginkgo Biloba Tree?