State/School

California License Exams, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Ginkgo Semen

Common Name

Ginkgo Seed

Category

Stabilize and Bind

Ingredients

Taste

Sweet, Bitter, Astringent, Slightly Toxic

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Neutral

Action / Indication

1. Constrains Lung qi and calms wheezing: used to treat wheezing and coughing with copious sputum, whether hot or cold phlegm.
2. Eliminates dampness and stabilizes the lower jiao: used to treat vaginal discharge, spermatorrhea or turbid urination.
3. Reduces urinary flooding: used to treat urinary frequency, incontinence.

Treatment Principles

Stops Wheezing
Expels Phlegm
Eliminates Damp
Stabilizes the Lower Burner

Contraindication

Excess conditions, caution with long term use or in large quantities due to toxicity; caution with thick difficult sputum.

Dosages

4.5-9g, dry-fried. If harvesting from the tree, cook with the hard gingko shells on as an antidote to the toxic effects. Use with caution during prenancy, as it stimulates uterine contractions.

Meridians

KID,  LU

Tom's Comment

1. Another common label for Bai Guo is Yin Xing.
2. Its toxicity is often overstated. Common ingredient in congee (rice porridge) and sticky rice.
3. Bai Guo is seasonal and sold fresh in markets or on the streets of Chinatown.
4. Bai Guo is a very common ingredient in vaginal discharge formulas.

Source

Formula Type