Ge Gen - Kudzu Root, Pueraria

TCM Materia Medica

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Ge Gen TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
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The TCM herb "ge gen" which in english is Ge Gen herb"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:

  • Compare with Sheng Ma, Chai Hu - all disperse and lift yang qi.
  • Research has shown antipyretic and antispasmodic effects on the intestine.

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:

  • Bao Ji Wan (Protect and Relieve Pills) - Cramping and/or painful distension of the abdomen. Foul sm…
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  • Gan Mao Ling (Miraculous Cold Pills) - Common cold and flu patterns, particularly at the early sta…
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  • Ge Gen Wan (Kudzu Decoction) - Wind-cold invasion with upper neck and back pain - cold or …
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  • Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan (Coptis Clearance Pill) - Dispels wind heat, clear toxic heat - generally used short-…
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  • Jiang Tang Wan (Lower Blood Sugar Pill) - Nourish the yin and tonify qi with particular emphasis on d…
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  • Mai Men Dong Yin Zi Wan (Ophiopogon and Trichosanthes Combination) - Lung and stomach yin deficiency - this is a modified versio…
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  • Qing Bi Wan (Clear The Nose Decoction) - Sinus issues arising from damp-heat pattern in Chinese Medi…
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  • Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang Wan (Clear Summer Heat and Augment the Qi) - Please note that there are two formulas with the same name …
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  • Te Xiao Jing Zhui Tong Wan (Patent Neck Pain Relief Pills) - Stiffness, pain, and/or tightness of the neck.
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  • Yu Quan Wan (Jade Spring Pills) - Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting syndrome), qi and yin defici…
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    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. )".

    Bo HeChai HuChan TuiDan Dou ChiFu PingGe GenJu HuaMan Jing ZiMu ZeiNiu Bang ZiSang YeSheng Ma
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