Ge Gen - Kudzu Root, Pueraria
TCM Materia Medica
Ge Gen TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "ge gen" which in english is 
"kudzu root, pueraria", is categorized within the "herbs that release the exterior wind heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the spleen and stomach channels and exhibits acrid, cool and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 6-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Releases muscles, clears heat - exterior disease in subcutaneous region and muscles (governed by spleen and stomach) - fever, headache, stiffness in the back and the neck.
- Nourishes fluids, alleviates thirst - stomach heat, externally-contracted heat.
- Vents measles - accelerates rash at early stages.
- Alleviates diarrhea - diarrhea or dysenterial disorders due to heat; may be used for spleen deficiency diarrhea if combined with other herbs.
- Alleviates symptoms of hypertension - headaches, dizziness, tinnitus.
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding ge gen:
Ge Gen may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: diarrhea, dizziness (vertigo), fever, headache, hypertension (high blood pressure) and/or tinnitus
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, ge gen is generally included in the following 10 formulas:
ViewBao Ji Wan (Protect and Relieve Pills)
Cramping and/or painful distension of the abdomen. Foul smelling belching or gas with diarrhea due to heat in the intestine. May alleviate some hangover symptoms. Also useful to treat food poisoni…
ViewGan Mao Ling (Miraculous Cold Pills)
Common cold and flu patterns, particularly at the early stages. Can be used in lieu of actual bacterial or viral infection as long as flu or cold like symptoms are manifest.
ViewGe Gen Wan (Kudzu Decoction)
Wind-cold invasion with upper neck and back pain - cold or flu, mild fever, no sweating, stiffness.
ViewHuang Lian Shang Qing Wan (Coptis Clearance Pill)
Dispels wind heat, clear toxic heat - generally used short-term for inflammatory conditions of the face, mouth, head - sore throat, conjunctivitis, acne, swollen gums. Can be a supportive formula fo…
ViewJiang Tang Wan (Lower Blood Sugar Pill)
Nourish the yin and tonify qi with particular emphasis on diabetes (primarily type II, but in some cases type I would benefit as well) when the underlying tcm diagnosis fits. Symptoms may include st…
ViewMai Men Dong Yin Zi Wan (Ophiopogon and Trichosanthes Combination)
Lung and stomach yin deficiency - this is a modified version of Mai Men Dong Tang - fei wei (lung atrophy) syndrome in Chinese Medicine - dry cough from yin fluid damage, generally arises from defici…
ViewQing Bi Wan (Clear The Nose Decoction)
Sinus issues arising from damp-heat pattern in Chinese Medicine - yellow and sticky discharge, sinusitis, rhinitis acute or chronic. Sinus headache, decreased olfactory sense.
ViewQing Shu Yi Qi Tang Wan (Clear Summer Heat and Augment the Qi)
Please note that there are two formulas with the same name but slightly different compositions. One is from Wang's Wen Re Jing Wei and tonifies the yin more strongly, the other (which is the one dis…
ViewTe Xiao Jing Zhui Tong Wan (Patent Neck Pain Relief Pills)
Stiffness, pain, and/or tightness of the neck.
ViewYu Quan Wan (Jade Spring Pills)
Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting syndrome), qi and yin deficiencies of the kidney and spleen most commonly seen in the advanced forms of diabetes type II - excessive thirst, excessive urination, strong…
As noted above, ge gen is within the herbs that release the exterior wind heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... many are acrid and warm severe fever with mild chills and sore throat. some are good for venting rashes or wind-heat eye problems. )".
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