Library

Fear, aversion, incompatibility, and assistance (Wu, E, Fan, Shi - the eight principles of compatibility) are the same as those of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger).

Pungent, Hot. Enters the Qi level of the Hand Shaoyin (Heart) and Foot Taiyin (Spleen) meridians. When raw, it expels cold pathogens and promotes dispersion; when cooked, it eliminates stomach cold and stabilizes the Middle Jiao. It opens the Zang-Fu organs, unblocks the limbs and joints, drives out deep-seated cold, and dissipates stagnant Qi. It treats retained phlegm and old food stagnation, vomiting, diarrhea, and dysentery, cholera with muscle cramps, various pains due to cold-dampness, fullness and masses, various poisons due to Yin-cold, and traumatic blood stasis. Combined with Beiwei (Schisandrae Fructus), it secures the Qi of the Bladder. Paired with Liangjiang (Galangal Rhizome), it warms the Spleen to dispel malaria. Assisted by Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), it aids Yang to restore Yin. Combined with Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), it restores the Yang within the Kidney.

The mother ginger peeled and sun-dried is called Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), which is white, clean, and solid, also known as Baijiang (White Ginger). For medicinal use, it should always be processed. For anti-diarrheal formulas, it is used after being baked/wrapped in flour (Wei). For warming-middle formulas, it is used after soaking/light frying (Pao). For hemostatic formulas, it is used charred (Chao Tan). If taken by pregnant women, it causes the fetus to abort. If taken by those with Qi deficiency, it damages Yuan Qi (Original Qi). It is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and internal heat accompanied by excessive sweating.

When taking Ganjiang to treat the Middle Jiao, its action must inevitably overreach upwards; therefore, Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) should be added to tonify, and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) to moderate its intensity.

Paojiang (Prepared Ginger) refers to Ganjiang that has been washed with water and stir-fried until yellow.

Pungent, Bitter, Hot. Enters the Blood level of the Foot Taiyin (Spleen) meridian. It stays in place rather than moving outward. It dries cold-dampness of the Spleen and Stomach, eliminates coldfulness in the umbilical and abdominal regions, warms Heart Qi, and warms the Liver meridian. (The Heart is naturally hot, the Liver is naturally warm; deficiency leads to cold.) It can eliminate evil blood and generate new blood, promoting the growth of Yang and Yin. Therefore, it is suitable for cases of vomiting blood, epistaxis, and lower bleeding where there is Yin without Yang. Assisted by Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), it treats bloody dysentery. (When the Middle Jiao is warm, blood returns to its vessels.) Added to Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), it treats postpartum fever. (When Wood and Earth are nourished, the fever subsides.)

For hemostasis, it is used charred. Caution: Do not use interchangeably with Ganjiang indiscriminately.

Dysentery may also involve bleeding due to heat, and postpartum conditions often involve heat generated from Blood deficiency. If Paojiang is generally used to treat these, it will further increase internal heat, causing bleeding to persist, burning up Yin more severely, and making the heat even worse. Urgent treatment should employ cooling tonification to nourish the Blood and clear the heat; Paojiang is not indicated for such cases.

Pungent, Warm. Enters the Foot Yangming (Stomach) meridian. It benefits the intestines and stomach, unblocks the blood vessels, and removes foul odor from the chest diaphragm. It is contraindicated for those with diarrhea.