Use of Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Wash and use fresh
Dosage: 3 - 9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Sheng Jiang may be prescribed by TCM doctors*:
Common cold
Nasal congestion
Coughing
Food poisoning from seafood
Loss of appetite
Morning sickness
Vomiting
Phlegm
Contraindications*: Do not use for symptoms of Exterior Deficiency with sweating or for Damp Heat conditions.
May enhance risk of bleeding when ginger is used together with the blood thinning drug Warfarin
Common TCM formulas in which Sheng Jiang is used*
Sheng Jiang is a deputy ingredient in Xiao Ban Xia Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Xiao Ban Xia Tang, Sheng Jiang disperses the accumulation of thin mucus in the epigastrium that causes the Qi to rebel upward.
Read more about Xiao Ban Xia Tang
Sheng Jiang is a deputy ingredient in Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang, Sheng Jiang is very effective in harmonizing the functions of the Stomach and stopping vomiting
Read more about Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Sheng Jiang is a deputy ingredient in Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang, Sheng Jiang is extremely effective at warming the Stomach and directing Rebellious Qi downward. As such it is perfect against vomiting and nausea.
Read more about Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Zhen Wu Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Zhen Wu Tang, Sheng Jiang warms and dispels the pathogenic water and thereby strengthens the actions of the deputy herbs.
It disseminates the Lung Qi, warms the Stomach, and assists Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), the key herb in this formula, by dispelling the Dampness that has overflowed into the flesh and skin.
Read more about Zhen Wu Tang
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Xiao Chai Hu Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
Read more about Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
Read more about Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Da Qing Long Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
Read more about Da Qing Long Tang
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Ren Shen Bai Du San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Ren Shen Bai Du San, Sheng Jiang helps releasing the Exterior.
Read more about Ren Shen Bai Du San
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Jing Fang Bai Du San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Jing Fang Bai Du San, Sheng Jiang helps releasing the Exterior.
Read more about Jing Fang Bai Du San
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Gui Zhi Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Gui Zhi Tang, Sheng Jiang helps Gui Zhi release the Exterior while also treating the nausea and vomiting by warming the Middle and directing Qi downward.
Read more about Gui Zhi Tang
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Jia Wei Xiang Su San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Jia Wei Xiang Su San, Sheng Jiang is acrid. It assists the Lungs in better controlling of the pores and interstices.
Read more about Jia Wei Xiang Su San
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Ban Liu Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Ban Liu Wan, Sheng Jiang reduces the Toxicity of the two main ingredients, warms
the Middle Burner, disperses Cold, and facilitates the Qi movement by unblocking the Interstices.
It acts as both assistant and envoy. It often used as form of Fresh ginger juice.
Read more about Ban Liu Wan
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Huang Long Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Huang Long Tang, Sheng Jiang adjusts and regulates the nutritive and protective Qi. It regulates the disparate actions of the other ingredients, and ultimately hasten recovery.
Read more about Huang Long Tang
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Yu Gong San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Yu Gong San, Sheng Jiang opens the pores and interstices to facilitate the Qi movement and the driving out of Water Dampness.
Read more about Yu Gong San
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Shu Zao Yin Zi. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Shu Zao Yin Zi, Sheng Jiang clears the Channels and Exterior, opens the pores and interstices, as well as promotes sweating. This results in draining the water clogging the skin and muscles and facilitates the Qi dynamic.
Read more about Shu Zao Yin Zi
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin, Sheng Jiang release pathogens from the Exterior.
Read more about Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin
Sheng Jiang is an assistant ingredient in Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang, Sheng Jiang scatters the Cold and serves as the assistant ingredient.
It also facilitates digestion of the key herbs and there by indirectly aids in tonification.
Because it warms, it also assists the deputy herb in moving the Blood.
The combination of these three ingredients not only nourishes the Blood, but also disperses the Cold and there by relieves the Pain.
Read more about Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Xing Su San. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Xing Su San, Sheng Jiang , together with the two other envoys in this formula (Jujube dates and Liquorice), harmonizes the actions of the other herbs and regulate the nutritive and protective Qi.
Read more about Xing Su San
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Er Chen Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Er Chen Tang, Sheng Jiang reinforces the actions of the key herbs in moving the Qi and eliminating the Phlegm, harmonizing the Stomach, and controlling the nausea.
Read more about Er Chen Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Wen Dan Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Wen Dan Tang, Sheng Jiang regulate the relationship between the Gallbladder and stand assists the other herbs in stopping the vomiting.
Read more about Wen Dan Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, Sheng Jiang strengthens the spreading and mobilizing actions of the other herbs.
Read more about Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Juan Bi Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
Read more about Juan Bi Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, Sheng Jiang helps the key herbs in the formula harmonize the Stomach and thereby stops the vomiting, should it occur.
Read more about Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Gui Pi Tang, Sheng Jiang works together with Jujube dates (Da Zao), the other envoy in this formula, to improve the appetite and regulate the nutritive and protective Qi, thereby facilitating the actions of the other ingredients.
They also assist the four key herbs of this formula in strengthening the Spleen.
Read more about Gui Pi Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang, Sheng Jiang is added as an envoy to reinforce the actions of the chief herbs in Qi movement and eliminate the Phlegm. It also harmonizes the Stomach and controls the nausea.
Read more about Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Ba Zhen Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Ba Zhen Tang, Sheng Jiang regulates Stomach and Spleen's absorptive function. This is important because it helps the other herbs in the formula to be absorbed. It also regulates the relationship between the Protective (Wei Qi 卫气) and Nutritive Qi (Rong Qi 荣气), which helps patients suffering from Blood and Qi Deficiency to recover without developing other issues.
Read more about Ba Zhen Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Nuan Gan Jian. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Nuan Gan Jian, Sheng Jiang scatters Cold and harmonizes the Stomach. It also helps treat nausea and loss of appetite.
Read more about Nuan Gan Jian
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Shi Shen Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Shi Shen Tang, Sheng Jiang acrid and warm. It helps Ephedra and Perilla leaves in clearing
Wind-Cold Evils from the Exterior.
Read more about Shi Shen Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Jin Fei Cao San. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Jin Fei Cao San, Sheng Jiang harmonize the Nutritive and Protective levels of the Four Level Theory.
It also assists Ephedra (Ma Huang) and Japanese catnip (Jing Jie) in releasing Wind-Cold from the Exterior.
Read more about Jin Fei Cao San
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Zai Zao San. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Zai Zao San, Sheng Jiang nourishes and revives the Spleen and Stomach Qi. It also regulates the nutritive and protective Qi along with jujube dates.
Read more about Zai Zao San
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, Sheng Jiang works with Jujube date to regulate the relationship between the Protective Qi in the Exterior and the Nutritive Qi in the Interior. This helps in focusing the actions of the other ingredients on these critical aspects of the body.
Read more about Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang, Sheng Jiang regulates the Protective and Nutritive Qi to facilitate the release of the Pernicious Influences.
Read more about Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang
In Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, Sheng Jiang regulates the nutritive and protective Qi and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach. It ensures that this complex formula is properly assimilated, and blend its many ingredients into a harmonious whole.
Read more about Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Key TCM concepts behind Sheng Jiang's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Sheng Jiang belongs to the 'Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior' category. Herbs that release the Exterior aim to to treat the early stages of diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the throat or the skin. TCM believes that External diseases such as colds or allergies can only invade the body if the External environment overwhelms our Wei Qi (the TCM version of the immune system). In order to counteract this invasion Warm/Acrid herbs aim to induce sweating by increasing the flow of sweat to our capillary pores. The belief is that this will expel the disease from the body and stop it from invading further.
As suggested by its category Sheng Jiang is Warm in nature. This means that Sheng Jiang tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Sheng Jiang can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Sheng Jiang also tastes Pungent. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like Sheng Jiang tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Sheng Jiang is thought to target the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body. The Spleen on the other hand assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine.
Research on Sheng Jiang
3 months supplementation of ginger improved glycemic indices and total antioxidant capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes.1
Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in students with ginger for 5 days had a statistically significant effect on relieving intensity and duration of pain.2
Ginger powder has add-on effect on reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis of knee with acceptable safety profile.3
Ginger supplementation at a daily dose of 0.5 g-1.0 g significantly aids in reduction of the severity of acute chemotherapy-induced nausea in adult cancer patients.4
Ginger can be considered as a useful treatment option for women suffering from morning sickness.5
Sources:
1. Shidfar F, Rajab A, Rahideh T, Khandouzi N, Hosseini S, Shidfar S. ( 2015). The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on glycemic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Complement Integr Med. , 12(2):165-70. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2014-0021.
2. Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini HF, Kianbakht S, Naseri M. ( 2012 ). Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. , 12:92. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-92.
3. Paramdeep G. (2013). Efficacy and tolerability of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in patients of osteoarthritis of knee. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. , 57(2):177-83.
4. Ryan JL, Heckler CE, Roscoe JA, Dakhil SR, Kirshner J, Flynn PJ, Hickok JT, Morrow GR. (2012). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients. Support Care Cancer. , 20(7):1479-89. doi: 10.1007/s00520-011-1236-3. Epub 2011 Aug 5.
5. Willetts KE, Ekangaki A, Eden JA. (2003). Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trial. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 43(2):139-44.
Use of Sheng Jiang as food
Sheng Jiang is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Candied ginger or Gingerbread.
