The oldest tree in the world is China's gingko, which first appeared during the Jurassic Age some 160 million years ago.

COMMON NAME	Ginkgo
LATIN NAME	Ginkgo biloba
FAMILY NAME	Ginkoaceae
ALIAS NAMES	Ginkgo Tree, Maidenhair Tree
PLANT PARTS USED	Leaves

    The Ginkgo is the sole survivor of a primitive order of plants dating from more than 200 million years ago. Now, the trees shoot forth sprouts in spring, and their leaves turn glowing yellow in autumn, decorating many parks or roadsides nationwide.

     Surviving about over a million years, the Ginkgo has remained basically unchanged which has been verified by 200-million-year-old fossils. Because of the trees survivability and hardiness, it was believed to increase stamina and longevity and has been called The Fountain of Youth. The wood is hard and corrosion-resistant, a good choice for furnishings.

    The earliest known medicinal use dates back to 2800 BC. Gingko today seems to becoming the herb of choice. European researchers have been constantly studying ginkgo since the 1960's. In 1995, gingko was ranked 5th in popularity at U.S. health food stores.

    Gingko is being used for a wide variety of ailments from senility, asthma and allergies, tinnitus (Ringing in the ears) and Fibromyalgia. It is also used as an anti oxidant to improve circulation, brain functions and memory. The seeds are said to possibly contain anti cancer properties and are sedative and astringent.

    A blind study showed positive results in early stages of Alzheimer's disease over a period up to 3 months. Some improvement showed in 1 month.