Single Herb Glossary
Gāo Liáng Jiāng 高良姜
| Pharmaceutical name | Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma lesser galangal rhizome, galanga |
| Category | Warm Interior, Expel Cold |
| Key Properties | Warms the Stomach Disperses Cold Stops pain Directs rebellious Qi downward |
| Properties | Acrid Hot |
| Tropism | SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Warms Middle and Alleviates Pain |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Interior Heat with Yin Deficiency |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils 0.5 to 1.5% (cineol, methy cinnamate, eugenol, pinene, cadinene, galangol), flavonoids (galangin, kampferide, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin) |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: various effects on gastrointestinal system; both water and alcohol extracts have demonstrated marked analgesic and cholagogic effects; in addition, both have shown marked preventative and treatment effects on peptic ulcers and diarrhea; water extract also has inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal system, as it decreases intestinal peristalsis • Analgesic: may be used to treat angina, as it has a rapid onset of analgesic effect • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect on Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Liang Fu Wan (Galangal & Cyperus Pill) 良附丸 Tian Tai Wu Yao San (Top-Quality Lindera Powder) 天臺烏藥散 (天台烏药散) |
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.