*Ginkgo is the name of the tree Ginkgo biloba in the family Ginkgoaceae, which was thought to be extinct. So it is called a living fossil.

*Botanically, the Ginkgo nuts or seeds are the gymnosperms.

*Ginkgo nuts or seeds are traditionally used in the China and other Asian countries.

*Both the leaves and nuts of Ginkgo are alleged to have many medicinal properties.

*The Ginkgo leaves have flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids that have pharmaceutical uses.

*It is available as dried leaves, nuts, capsules, fluid extract etc.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, because Ginkgo is available at the supermarkets as capsules, tincture, extract, etc that have been processed. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. It dilates the blood vessels and thins the blood, and hence is used in the medical conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon, intermittent claudication, etc.

2. It improves brain function and so is used to enhance memory, and treat dementia, delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

3. It helps to protect eyes against glaucoma.

4. It is also noticed to improve sexual dysfunction in men.

5. It is also believed to have antioxidant properties, thus lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases by scavenging the free radicals from the body.

6. It is used to treat depression and is used an anti-depressant in older people.