Gan Jiang - 干姜 - Rhizoma Zingiberis

Properties: Pungent, hot

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Heart and Lung
Extraordinary Vessels: Ren, Du

Traditional Actions/Indications:

Warms the Middle and expels Cold
External Cold affecting the Spleen and Stomach Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiencies
Dispels Wind-Dampness seeping into the Lower Jiao
Lower Jiao Wind-Cold-Damp Bi
Rescues Devastated Yang and expels Interior Cold
Devastated Yang with a very weak pulse and cold limbs
Warms the Lungs and transforms thin mucus
Lung Cold with expectoration of thin, watery or white sputum
Warms the channels (unblocks the pulse) and stops bleeding
Haemorrhage due to Deficiency Cold, especially uterine bleeding (only if the bleeding is chronic and pale in colour with cold limbs, ashen white face and a soggy thin pulse)
Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the middle class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, remove foul smell and enable one to communicate withe Spirit Light (Shen Ming 神明). This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.

Cautions: It is contraindicated for yin deficiency with internal heat and haemorrhage due to blood heat.

Interactions:

Anti-coagulants: Slows blood clotting, possibly by inhibition of thromboxane synthase, so may have additive effect with warfarin, heparin, aspirin and NSAIDs.
Calcium channel blockers: May work in a similar method to reduce blood pressure and so have an additive effect on these medications.
Antidiabetic drugs: Lowers blood sugar so may have additive effect on medications that also lower blood sugar.
Anti-coagulants: Slows blood clotting, possibly by inhibition of thromboxane synthase, so may have additive effect with warfarin, heparin, aspirin and NSAIDs.
Calcium channel blockers: May work in a similar method to reduce blood pressure and so have an additive effect on these medications.
Antidiabetic drugs: Lowers blood sugar so may have additive effect on medications that also lower blood sugar.
Recommended to stop 2 weeks before surgery due to risk of possible mutagenesis, bleeding complications with warfarin, antiplatelet, risk of hyperglycaemia and abrupt discontinuation producing benzodiazepine withdrawal like symptoms (Ang-Lee, Moss & Yuan, 2001; Yilmaz & Çifci, 2018).
Anaesthetics: reduces nausea (Phillips, Ruggier & Hutchinson, 1993).

Notable Constituents:

Gingerol
Beta-hydroxy ketones that are a relative of capsaicin and piperine and activates the spice receptors on the tongue. It may inhibit adipogenesis and act as an antineoplastic agent, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, neuroprotective and gastroprotective properties. It has also been investigated for facilitate healthy glucose regulation for diabetics and as a potential mitochondrial uncoupling agent, generating heat instead of ATP, triggering mitochondrial biogenesis and browning of white adipose tissue as a response to the ATP deficit. There are 6-gingerol (also sometimes referred to as simply gingerol), 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and 12-gingerol variations.
Shogaol
A monomethoxybenzene formed from gingerols when drying or lightly cooking ginger. They are twice as pungent as gingerol making dried ginger mote spicy.

Appears in 73 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)

Ai Fei Yi Hao Fang (Love Lungs Prescription 1)
From: A Summary of Effective Preventative Measures against Novel Coronavirus taken by Chinese Front Line Medical Staff by Zhang Shenglin / Zong Zhu (2020)

Bai Tong Tang (White Penetrating Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Bai Ye Tang (Arborvitae Twig Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Pinellia, White Atractylodes and Gastrodia Decoction)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Ban Xia Ren Shen Jiu (Pinellia and Ginseng Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Bu Shen Qiang Du Zhi Wang Tang (Kidney Supplementing Governer Vessel Strengthening Joint Deformity Decoction)
From: Ten Lectures on the Use of Formulas from the Personal Experience of Jiao Shu-De by Jiao Shu-De (2005)

Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig and Dried Ginger Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Da Jian Zhong Tang (Major Construct the Middle Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Da Qing Long Tang (Major Blue-Green Dragon Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Dan Shen Shi Hu Jiu (Salvia and Dendrobium Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Ding Yu Li Zhong Tang (Clove and Evodia Decoction to Regulate the Middle)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Feng Yin Tang (Wind Drawing Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Fu Ling Ju Hua Jiu (Poria and Chrysanthemum Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Aconite Accessory Root Pill to Regulate the Middle)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Gan Cao Gan Jiang Fu Ling Bai Zhu Tang (Licorice, Ginger, Poria and White Atractylodes Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang (Licorice Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang (Licorice Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Jiang Huang Qin Huang Lian Ren Shen Tang (Ginger, Scutellaria, Coptis and Ginseng Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Jiang Ren Shen Ban Xia Wan (Ginger, Ginseng and Pinellia Pill)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ge Hua Jie Cheng San (Kudzu Flower Powder to Relieve Hangovers)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Gui Fu Li Zhong Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Prepared Aconite Root Decoction to Regulate the Middle)
From: Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine (c. 1970) by Shanghai College of TCM

Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Ginseng Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang (Magnolia Bark Decoction for Warming the Middle)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Hu Qian Wan (Hidden Tiger Pill)
From: Essential Teachings of Dan-Xi by Zhu Dan-Xi (1732)

Hu Qian Wan (Hidden Tiger Pill)
From: Medical Formulas Collected and Analysed by Wang Ang (1682)

Huang Lian Tang (Coptis Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Qi Dang Gui Jiu (Astragalus and Tangkuei Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang (Restore and Revive the Yang Decoction)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang (Revive the Yang in Emergencies Decoction)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)

Jia Wei Sheng Jiang Li Zhong Tang (Modified Regulate the Middle with Fresh Ginger Decoction)
From: Wan Family's Excellent Remedies Beneficial to Mankind by Wan Biao (1520)

Li Zhong An Hui Tang (Regulate the Middle and Calm Roundworms Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Li Zhong Hua Tan Wan (Regulate the Middle and Transform Phlegm Pill)
From: Miscellaneous Writings of Enlightened Physicians (1549)

Li Zhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Lian Li Tang (Regulating Decoction with Coptis)
From: Symptom, Cause, Pulse and Treatment (Ming dynasty)

Ling Gan Wu Wei Jia Jiang Xin Ban Xai Xing Ren Tang (Poria, Licorice and Schisandra with Ginger, Asarum, Pinellia and Apricot Kernal Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang (Poria, Licorice, Schisandra, Ginger and Asarum Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ma Huang Sheng Ma Tang (Ephedra and Cimicifuga Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Mu Xiang Gan Jiang Zhi Zhu Wan (Auklandia, Dried Ginger, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Mu Xiang Ren Shen Gan Jiang Zhi Zhu Wan (Auklandia, Ginseng, Fresh Ginger, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Niu Xi Rou Gui Jiu (Achyranthes and Cinnamon Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Qing Shi Hua Tan Tang (Clear Dampness and Transform Phlegm Decoction)
From: Achieving Longevity by Guarding the Source by Gong Ting-Xian (1615)

Ren Shen Xie Xin Tang (Ginseng Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

San Wu Bei Ji Wan (Three Substance Pill Prepared for Emergencies)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from the Lower Abdomen Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Shen Zhuo Tang (Kidney Warming Decoction)
From: Discussion of Three Causes and One Pathogen and Prescriptions by Chen Yan (1174)

Sheng Jiang Xie Xin Tang (Fresh Ginger Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Shi Wei Bai Du San (Ten Ingredient Powder to Overcome Toxicity)
From: Experimental Formulas by Hanaoka Seshu (1760-1835) by Hanaoka Seshu

Shu Yu Wan (Dioscorea Pill)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Si Ni Jia Ren Shen Tang (Frigid Extremities plus Ginseng Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Tan Yin Wan (Phlegm and Thin Mucus Pill)
From: Shaanxi New Medicine (1972)

Tao Hua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Tong Mai Si Ni Tang (Unblock the Pulse Decoction for Frigid Extremities)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Trikatu (Three Spices)
From: Compendium of Susruta by Susruta (1st Millenium BC)

Wen Pi Tang (Warm the Spleen Decoction)
From: Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces by Sun Si Miao (650)

Wu Ji San (Five Accumulations Powder)
From: Secret Formulas to Manage Trauma and Reconnect Fractures Received from an Immortal (c. 846)

Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xiao Qing Long Jia Shi Gao Tang (Minor Blue-Green Dragon Decoction plus Gypsum)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Blue-Green Dragon Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xiong Gui Tiao Xue Yin (Chuanxiong and Tangkuei Drink to Regulate the Blood)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Xu Ming Tang (Extend Life Decoction)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Ya San (Tooth Powder)
From: Getting to the Roots of Dentistry in Ancient China by Unknown (1390)

Yan Nian Ban Xia Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Extend Life)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Yao Yun (Hot Medical Compress)
From: Divine Pivot Classic by Unknown but given by the character Bo Gao (Pre-Qin to late Han dynasty)

Yin Chen Zhu Yu Tang (Virgate Wormwood, Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction)
From: Awakening of the Mind in Medical Studies by Cheng Guo-Peng (1732)

Zhi Shi Li Zhong Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Regulate the Middle)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Reduce Focal Distention)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhi Zhong Wan (Treat the Middle Pill)
From: Simple Formulas for Health (1905)

Zhi Zi Gan Jiang Tang (Gardenia and Dried Ginger Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhong Man Fen Xiao Tang (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhu Che Wan (Halt the Carts Pill)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Research Links & References: (click to display)

Individual Herbs Notebook

干 姜  Gan Jiang

Translation: Dried Ginger

Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Zingiberis
Taxonomy: Zingiber officinale

Other names: Dried Ginger / Sunthi सुंठि / Alzanjabil almujafaf الزنجبيل المجفف

Category: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold

Research Links:

Reference Notes: