Ginkgo Leaves For Colds, Catarrh

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31210, 7 November 1966, Page 8

Ginkgo Leaves For Colds, Catarrh

The leaves of the Chinese ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, which is fairly common throughout New Zealand, are being studied in Germany as a possible cure for the common cold and the treatment of chronic bronchitis. Medical experts who have studied the effects of the leaf treatment are convinced that it could lead to a major medical breakthrough, says a N.Z.P.A.-Reuter report from Bonn. Its discoverer, Dr. Joachim Volkner, an ear, nose and throat specialist, has been awarded a German medical prize for his research work on the treatment. Dr. Volkner made a close study of the leaves of the ginkgo when a group of Berlin scientists took some

home after a visit to China last year. He found they contained ingredients actively beneficial to the circulation of the blood. Patients suffering from chronic catarrh and bronchitis inhaled solutions of essence from the leaves with surprising results. The catarrh ceased and areas of inflammation disappeared almost immediately. Inhalation achieved amazing results, even for chronic asthmatics and sufferers of hay fever. Dr. Volkner found also that the substance had an almost instantaneous effect on mucous membrane cells which are greatly harmed by colds and coughs. He envisages his treatment being used for chronic bronchitis, a complaint of heavy smokers and people who breathe unclean air. .The ginkgo, a smooth, sparingly branched tree with fan-shaped deciduous leaves, is grown in New Zealand for ornamental purposes. Two notable specimens in Christchurch are at the University of Canterbury (35ft high) and in the triangle at the intersection of Oxford terrace and Gloucester street (46ft).