Single Herb Glossary
Gān Jiāng 乾薑
| Pharmaceutical name | Zingiberis Rhizom Zingiber officinale rhizome, dried ginger rhizome |
| Category | Warm Interior, Expel Cold |
| Key Properties | Warms the Spleen Transforms thin mucus Unblocks the channels Revives the yang |
| Properties | Acrid Hot |
| Tropism | HT, LU, SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Warms the Middle and Expels Cold 2) Rescues Devastated Yang and Expels Interior Cold 3) Warms the Lungs and Transforms Thin Mucus 4) Warms the Channels and Stops Bleeding (Middle and Upper jiaos, LU/SP, Taiyin) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Internal heat from yin deficiency or when heat in the blood leads to bleeding. Use with caution during pregnancy. |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils 1.2-2.8% (zingberol, zingiberene, bisabolene, α-curcumene, α-farnesene, β-farnesene, linalool, cineole, β-sesouiphellandrene), gingerol, shogaol, zingerone, dihydroginerol, hexyhydrocurcumin, L-pipecolic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: mild stimulating effect on gastrointestinal system to increase peristalsis; oral administration of 10% decoction in mice demonstrated protective effect on gastrointestinal system by stimulating production of stomach mucous membranes; also increased stomach acid secretion and intestinal activity • Antiemetic: according to one report, 30 ml of 10 to 50% solution has marked effect to relieve artificially-induced nausea and vomiting in dogs • Stimulant: alcohol extract has stimulating effect on CNS, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system in dogs • Effect on temperature regulation: administration ineffective in prolonging survival time in mice kept in an environment of under 18° to 20° C |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.