Ginkgo Seed … Classic Formulas
Bai Guo · Semen Ginkgo
Primary Actions
- Astringes the Lung and calms wheezing - Bai Guo is a classic choice for chronic cough, asthma, and dyspnea when leakage of Lung qi needs to be contained.
- Transforms phlegm - it is used when cough and wheezing are accompanied by slippery, phlegm-heavy congestion rather than by dry heat alone.
- Stops leukorrhea and reduces frequent urination - the seed also secures the lower burner in deficiency or dampness patterns involving vaginal discharge or leakage.
Classic Formulas
- Ding Chuan Tang - classic wheezing formula using Bai Guo to astringe the Lung while other herbs disperse exterior and transform phlegm.
- Yi Huang Tang - formula lineage using Bai Guo for damp leukorrhea with lower-burner weakness.
- Bai Guo Ding Chuan strategies - later practice patterns centered on cough, wheezing, and phlegm with Lung leakage.
Classical Text References
- TCM Wiki and standard herb references describe Bai Guo as sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral, and slightly toxic, entering the Lung and Kidney to astringe the Lung, calm wheezing, resolve phlegm, and stop leukorrhea.
- Classical cautions are strong around raw seed use and excessive dosing, especially in children.