Gingko

Ginnan (Gingko)

Gingko trees can be found all over Japan, but they are quite outstanding plants. They have strong regenerative abilities, and have so much vitality that they if you put your ear against the tree you can actually hear the sound of water being sucked up. It was therefore planted in shrines and temples to help prevent the spread of fire. Placing the fresh leaves in books keeps away bookworms, and so they were used to help preserve books and documents. The ninja brewed the leaves to make an invigorating drink. The seeds were fried or boiled to eat, and helped clear phlegm, acted as a disinfectant and also cleared hangovers. In Germany, gingko nut extract is apparently used in pharmaceuticals.