Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
A living fossil, unchanged for 200 million years.
Ginkgo is the oldest living tree species on Earth — its fan-shaped leaves have remained essentially the same since long before flowering plants existed.
Native to China, individual ginkgo trees can live over a thousand years, and the species has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for roughly 5,000 years.
Its resilience is well documented: ginkgo trees are known to survive pollution, pests, and extreme conditions that few other species tolerate.
A leaf used for circulation and clarity, for millennia.
In TCM, ginkgo leaf is traditionally used to support healthy circulation and cognitive clarity as part of daily practice.
This reflects a long traditional role, not a claim about individual outcomes.
How it has been, and is, prepared.
Traditional: Dried leaf prepared as tea.
Modern: Standardized leaf extract capsules.
Dosing varies widely by preparation, concentration, and individual factors. This page does not recommend a dose — follow product labeling and a healthcare provider's guidance.
Read this before you begin.
Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk, particularly in combination with blood-thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin. Raw ginkgo seeds are not considered safe and should be avoided entirely.
If you are pregnant or nursing, have a bleeding or seizure disorder, or take blood-thinning medication, consult a healthcare provider before use.
This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Common questions on ginkgo biloba.
Can I take ginkgo with blood thinners?
Talk to your healthcare provider first — ginkgo may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medication.
Are ginkgo seeds safe to eat?
No — raw ginkgo seeds are not considered safe and should be avoided.
Why is ginkgo called a 'living fossil'?
Its leaf structure has remained largely unchanged for roughly 200 million years, predating most other tree species alive today.