In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn corresponds to the Metal element. It is a season of withdrawal and refocusing. The body slows down, breathing deepens, and the skin—an organ associated with the Lungs —becomes more vulnerable: dry , fragile , sometimes tarnished by external aggressions or the change of rhythm.
At Nuence-MTC, we support this transition with targeted treatments, formulated to support the skin's natural functions in relation to organs and the seasons. And at the heart of our Radiance face cream associated with the METAL element , an active ingredient stands out for its power and symbolism: Ginkgo biloba . In this article, we tell you more about this tree, its use in TCM and modern herbal medicine, and why it is a great ally for the season.
Ginkgo biloba or yín xìng (银杏) in Chinese, is considered a living fossil , having appeared more than 270 million years ago, it has since survived numerous geological and climatic upheavals. Native to the mountainous regions of southeastern China , it is found in particular in humid and temperate zones, often on the mountainside, where it benefits from well-drained soil and moderate exposure to the sun.
The Ginkgo tree is dioecious —individuals are either male or female—and can grow up to 40 meters tall . It is resistant to drought , urban pollution , pests, diseases, and climate variations, making it a symbol of resilience. Its fan-shaped leaves, turning golden in the fall, are emblematic of the Metal season.
In ancient China, it was venerated in Buddhist monasteries for its longevity and resistance. In traditional medicine, it is its circulatory and respiratory virtues, directly linked to the Lungs , the key organ of autumn in TCM, which are prized.
Let us first focus on the seeds because they are the ones that concentrate the medicinal properties used in TCM: in fact, the seeds are used mainly for their tropism towards the Lungs, they calm coughs and asthma and release their protective and astringent energy .
Ginkgo seeds (Yín Xìng) in TCM
Traditional formulas:
Yín Xìng Sǎn (银杏散) – “Ginkgo Powder”
Used to calm chronic coughs with abundant expectoration.
This powder is often combined with other plants to strengthen its effectiveness or balance its effects, this is the case for example with Ban Xia (Pinellia) which dissolves mucus and dries dampness, or with Chen Pi (mandarin peel) which regulates Qi, tonifies the Spleen, dries dampness, dissipates secretions.
Bai Guo Tang (白果汤) – “Ginkgo seed decoction”
Indicated for bronchitis , asthma.
Often associated with Fu Ling (Poria), Shan Yao (Dioscorea), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)
⚠️ Follow your TCM therapist's recommendations as the seeds should be consumed in moderation.
Let us now look at the use made of Ginkgo leaves in modern herbal medicine.
🍃In classical TCM, leaves are not commonly used in traditional master formulas. Their use is more recent, influenced by Western herbal medicine and integrated pharmacopoeia.
In cosmetics, leaf extracts are recognized for their exceptional properties:
Our METAL face cream is designed to meet the specific needs of the skin in autumn: repair , moisturize , protect .
While Ginkgo leaves are now recognized for their antioxidant properties in cosmetics, Nuence-MTC has chosen to go further by drawing inspiration from Chinese tradition. Our Radiance Face Cream contains a decoction of Ginkgo seeds , used for centuries in TCM for their protective and balancing power. This choice embodies our desire to promote the energetic and holistic heritage of Chinese pharmacopoeia.
This treatment forms a protective and balancing barrier , in harmony with the Lung and its role as guardian of vital energy.
To fully benefit from the benefits of Ginkgo biloba, we recommend:
This ritual becomes an act of overall care — for the skin, but also for the body and energy.
A thousand-year-old tree, symbol of longevity and resistance, Ginkgo biloba is particularly associated with autumn. Its golden, fan-shaped leaves evoke the movement of breath or wind,
Ginkgo biloba isn't just a cosmetic ingredient: it's a seasonal ally. By incorporating it into your fall routine, you're giving your skin what it needs to get through the season: balance, radiance, and protection .
And you, how do you take care of your energy and your skin when the days start to get shorter?
