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Gao Liang Jiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma)
Greatly warm. Primarily treats sudden cold, cold reversal in the stomach, and abdominal pain due to cholera-like disorder (Huoluan).
Tao Hongjing states: It originates from Gaoliang Commandery. If a person suffers from unceasing abdominal pain, chewing and consuming it is also effective. Its shape and qi are similar to Du Ruo (Pollia japonica), but its leaves resemble those of Shan Jiang (Zingiber montanum). The annotation in *Tang Bencao* notes: Those growing in Lingnan are large and soft, while those in Jiangzuo are slender and firm. The taste is not particularly pungent; essentially, they are the same. Currently, people refer to the slender ones as Du Ruo and the large ones as Gao Liang Jiang, which is incorrect. According to Chen Cangqi's *Bencao*: Gao Liang Jiang is pungent and warm. It directs qi downward, enhances voice, and improves complexion. Boiled as a drink and consumed, it stops dysentery and cholera-like disorders. Another version's annotation notes: Collect the rhizomes in February and March, and dry them in the sun. Pungent and bitter, greatly hot, non-toxic. Ministers Yu Xi et al., according to *Yaoxing Lun*, state: Gao Liang Jiang acts as a guiding herb. It treats chronic cold in the abdomen, rebellious stomach qi causing vomiting, disperses wind and breaks stagnation, treats cold abdominal pain, expels wind-cold bi-syndrome weakness, treats downward-rebellious cold qi rushing to the heart, and abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea. Ri Huazi states: It treats muscle cramps with diarrhea and dysentery, reverse regurgitation and vomiting of food, resolves alcohol toxicity, and eliminates retained food.
*Tujing* states: Gao Liang Jiang was not previously recorded regarding its place of origin. Tao Hongjing says it comes from Gaoliang Commandery. Now, it is found in various prefectures of Lingnan as well as Qian and Shu. Although present in inland commanderies, it is unsuitable for medicinal use. It sprouts in spring; the stems and leaves resemble ginger seedlings but are larger, about one or two chi tall. The flowers are red-purple, resembling Shan Jiang. Rhizomes are collected in February and March and dried in the sun. Ancient formulas also used it singly to treat sudden evil in the heart and spitting of clear fluid. Take root cut into dice-sized pieces, hold in the mouth, swallow saliva, and recovery will occur shortly. If there is bad breath, holding it and swallowing is also effective; adding Cao Dou Kou (Cardamomi Fructus Rotundus) ground into powder and brewing as tea for regular drinking is excellent.
*Shenghui Fang*: Treats cholera-like disorder, vomiting and purging, abdominal pain, etc. One liang of Gao Liang Jiang, chopped, with three large bowls of water, decocted to obtain two and a half bowls, dregs removed, add two he of Jing Mi (Oryzae Sativum Granum), cook into porridge and eat.
*Waitai Miyao*: Emergency formula for cholera-like disorder with vomiting and purging: Roast Gao Liang Jiang over fire until charred and fragrant. Use five liang each time, break it, boil in one sheng of wine for three or four boils, take all at once. Also treats abdominal pain and foul qi. Su Gong states: For those suffering from Xiangjiao Jiao (Hong Kong foot/Jamaican itch/Charley horse - here referring to Beriberi or severe leg cramps), eat full meals freely in the morning, eat less in the afternoon, and do not eat in the evening. If hungry, one may eat Dou Chi Zhou (Vigna angularis porridge). If sleep does not aid digestion and cholera-like disorder threatens, take one liang of Gao Liang Jiang, crushed, boiled in three sheng of water to obtain one sheng, drink all at once to resolve. Wait until extremely hungry, then eat one bowl of thin porridge. This medicine is very potent; drinking it is beneficial. If Gao Liang Jiang is suddenly unavailable, substitute with one liang of Mu Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), boil in one sheng of clear wine until thoroughly cooked, remove dregs and consume. Although inferior to Gao Liang Jiang, it is still highly effective.
*Shiquan Fang*: Treats Heart-Spleen pain. Finely chop Gao Liang Jiang, lightly stir-fry, pound into powder, mix with rice beverage and take one qian bi (a small spoonful measure); pain stops immediately.