Herb Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold

Gan Jiang

Dried ginger | 干姜

Zingiber officinale

Gan Jiang (Dried ginger) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

TCM Properties

Temperature

Hot

Taste

Pungent

Organ Affinity

Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach

Parts Used

Dried rhizome

Explore More About This Herb

TCM Actions & Uses Research Studies Preparation & Dosage Safety & Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Gan Jiang

Traditional Actions

Warm the Middle Burner and disperse Cold
Restore Yang
Unblock Meridians
Warm the Lungs to transform Phlegm-Fluid

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gan Jiang belongs to the 'Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold' category. Herbs in this category are used for Internal Cold with Qi Deficiency and/or Yang Deficiency. In the Yin and Yang system of thought Yang is Hot in nature. A deficiency of Yang will therefore lead to Internal Coldness since there will as a result be more Yin (Cold in nature) than Yang. In extreme cases this can lead to so-called 'Yang collapse' with convulsions or coma and these herbs are particularly indicated to treat such scenarios.

 

As suggested by its category Gan Jiang is Hot in nature. This means that Gan Jiang typically helps people who have too much "Cold" in their body. 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 Gan Jiang can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Gan 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 Gan 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 Gan Jiang is thought to target the Heart, the Kidney, the Lung and the Stomach. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. 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 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.

Common Applications

Abdominal pain Phlegm Vomiting Dyspnea Coughing Diarrhea Asthma Abnormal uterine bleeding

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Gan 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.

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Gan Jiang

Traditional Preparation

Remove impurities, wash and soak in water to moisten, cut in thick pieces and dry

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

3 - 9 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gan Jiang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Gan Jiang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

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