| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Gingko Biloba
Also known as the fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, and yinhsing (yin-hsing), the Ginkgo biloba was once thought to have  become extinct during the last Ice Age. Fortunately for us, this ancient tree still continued to thrive in the mountains and gardens of Buddhist monasteries in China. In 1691, Engelbert Kaempfer discovered the Ginkgo in Japan and learned that it had spread by seed migration around 1192 AD to China’s neighboring countries of Korea and Japan. In the early 18th century, Kaempfer brought these seeds back to Europe, and then introduced them to the North American continent in the late 1700s. The Ginkgo biloba is now an essential ornamental tree, and can be seen in many parks, botanical gardens, and along many city streets.
Leaves from the Ginkgo tree are great circulatory aids because they increase and improve blood flow within the human body. They may also be used to ameliorate memory loss due to Alzheimer’s, senile dementia, strokes, or other cranial disorders. Moreover, this ancient herb  relieves the difficulties of disorientation, tinnitus, and vertigo. These promising effects are the cause of Ginkgo’s popularity in France and Germany. But be careful, the fruits produce butyric acid, which can actually burn the skin.
The flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids of Ginkgo are the causes of its antioxidant properties. These organic molecules within the herb protect cells from being oxidized by free radicals. In addition to this attribute, the seeds are used to relieve wheezing, lessen phlegm, treat vaginal discharge, and strengthen a weak bladder. The antiallergenic and anti-inflammatory properties of Ginkgo allow it to be useful in treatments of asthma, Multiple Sclerosis, autoimmunity difficulties, and complications that may result from organ transplants.
Ginkgo has also been shown to inhibit the formation of Platelet Activating Factor, also known as PAF. PAF causes the blood to become stickier; this thicker consistency is more likely to produce blood clots, as well as inflammatory and allergenic changes. In effect, the reduction of PAF greatly reduces the potential occurrence of heart attacks.
Despite the many benefits that Ginkgo Biloba possesses, it can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, a negative drug-interaction with certain anti-depressant drugs, restlessness, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Dragster's Trout
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 (6-ounce) trout fillets
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 white onion, sliced
1/2 pound baby spinach
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon ginkgo leaves
1/4 cup white wine
Aluminum foil
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare 2 sheets of aluminum foil to use as pouches for the trout fillets. First brush a little bit of the oil on each piece of foil to prevent the fillets from sticking. Place the trout fillets in the center of each piece of foil. Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top of the fillets. Then place the mushrooms, onion, and spinach on top of the trout. Sprinkle with the cilantro leaves and ginkgo.
|
|
| |
 |
|
|