Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Ge Gen Tang

葛根汤

Also known as:

Kudzu Decoction , Pueraria Combination

Formula Composition

Ge Gen
Ge Gen
Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
  2. Forms Body Fluids

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ge Gen Tang

Main Actions

Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
Forms Body Fluids

Key TCM Concepts

Ge Gen Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) releases the Exterior and muscle layer and 2) forms Body Fluids.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Ge Gen Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Lungs or Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as common cold, cervical spine disease or torticollis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
  • Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Common Applications

Common cold Cervical spine disease Torticollis Periarthritis of the shoulder Lumbar disc Trigeminal neuralgia Cerebral vascular insufficiency Hypertension Cerebrovascular disease Otitis media Gingivitis Sinusitis Allergic rhinitis Tonsillitis Iritis Acute enteritis Bacillary dysentery Sinus Congestion

Ingredients in Ge Gen Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ge Gen Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ge Gen
Ge Gen

Kudzu roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ge Gen Tang
Ge Gen releases the the Exterior and muscle layer, especially of the upper back and neck. It also directs Body Fluids to the affected areas.
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Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Ge Gen Tang
In general Ma Huang's main actions are as follows: "Releases the surface through sweating. Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi and stop wheezing. Promotes urination."

In the context of Ge Gen Tang, it is used because it encourages sweating. It is very powerful in releasing excessive Cold from the Exterior.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Ge Gen Tang
In general Gui Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Adjusts the nutritive Ying and defensive Wei Qi. Relieves the Exterior through sweating. Warms and disperses Cold. Removes obstruction of Yang. Promotes the circulation of Yang Qi in the chest. Regulates and moves blood."

In the context of Ge Gen Tang, it is used because it supports the chief herb Kudzu root in releasing the Exterior and muscle layer.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ge Gen Tang
Bai Shao prevents the Exterior releasing herbs from creating too much sweating so as to protect Yin. Together with Cinnamon twigs, it invigorates the Protective (Wei Qi) and Nutritive Qi (Rong Qi) and helps expelling any Pernicious Influences.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Ge Gen Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "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."

In the context of Ge Gen Tang, it is used because it regulates the Protective (Wei Qi) and Nutritive Qi (Rong Qi) and protects the Stomach from injury.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Ge Gen Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."

In the context of Ge Gen Tang, it is used because it regulates the Protective (Wei Qi) and Nutritive Qi (Rong Qi) and protects the Stomach from injury.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ge Gen Tang
Gan Cao harmonizes the actions of the other herbs. Together with White peony root, it treats neck and back stiffness by relieving muscle spasms.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ge Gen Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ge Gen Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.