Ge Gen Wan - Kudzu Decoction

Herbal Formula Database

Ge Gen Wan Herbal Formula Classifications and Usages

The herbal formula "ge gen wan" , 葛根湯, which in english is "kudzu decoction", is categorized within the "release the exterior" functional grouping and within the "release exterior disorders with head and neck symptoms" sub-category.

You may also see this formula referenced by: Ge Gen Tang, Pueraria Pills, Kudzu Teapills, Decoction of Puerariae.

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Wind-cold invasion with upper neck and back pain - cold or flu, mild fever, no sweating, stiffness.

Ge Gen Wan has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

  • Avoid with fever.
  • Due to having ephedra use caution in patients with hypertension, panic disorder, insomnia, etc.

Our shop contains ge gen wan from the following manufacturers:

View Ge Gen Tang - Sun Ten
($2.99) Add To Cart View Ge Gen Tang Wan - HBW (BBD 5/31/24)

For many reasons such as availability, ecological choices, and/or price, each manufacturer or herbalist may well adjust the exact composition of a specific formula. Ge Gen Wan is generally comprised of the following herbs:

ViewBai Shao (White Peony Root)

Nourishes the blood and regulates menstrual problems due to blood deficiency (pale, lusterless complexion and nails) - menstrual dysfunction, vaginal discharge, uterine bleeding - very common herb fo…

ViewDa Zao (Chinese Date, Jujube)

Tonifies spleen qi - weakness, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, loose stools. Nourishes the blood, calms the spirit - irritability, pale complexion, emotional disturbances, restlessness. Usef…

ViewGan Cao (Licorice Root)

Tonifies the spleen and augments qi - spleen deficiency w/shortness of breath, fatigue, loose stools (si jun zi tong). Qi and/or blood deficiency w/irregular pluse or palpitations (Zhi Gan Cao Tang)…

ViewGe Gen (Kudzu Root, Pueraria)

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, alleviat…

ViewGui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig)

Releases muscle layer and adjusts ying and wei qi levels Useful in wind-cold-damp bi syndromes to warm channels and disperse cold Resolves blood stagnation particularly from cold - dysmenorrhea Un…

ViewMa Huang (Ephedra)

Induce sweating to release the exterior, disperse cold Disperse lung qi, wheezing Promote urination and reduces edema

ViewSheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome)

Release the exterior, wind-cold, regulate ying and wei qi Warms the middle jiao - stomach cold/vomiting Alleviates coughing, warms lung Reduces toxicity of other herbs

A single formula, alone, may not be sufficient to fully address a particular TCM diagnostic pattern. Formulas may be used alone, in combinations, and/or in stages. Ge Gen Wan is a candidate for consideration when needing to influence lung wind invasion - wind cold.

Ge Gen Wan may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored overall approach, to influence the following conditions: back pain, common cold, eczema, fever, flu, neck pain and/or shoulder pain

As noted above, ge gen wan is within the release the exterior functional group. And it appears within the sub-category "release exterior disorders with head and neck symptoms", which contains the following formulas:

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.  

ViewXin Yi Qing Fei Wan (Magnolia Flower Drink To Clear The Lungs)

Colds and/or allergies with heat signs (yellow mucus and/or fever, etc.). Chronic sinus congestions / issues, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, loss of smell. Nasal polyps with the right underly…

ViewXin Yi Wan (Magnolia Flower Powder)

Colds and/or allergies with cold signs (white mucus and/or no fever, etc.). Chronic sinus congestions / issues, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, loss of smell. Headaches from sinus congestion.

All formulas in the primary category of "release the exterior" are listed below.

(truncated intro "...in tcm terminology the "exterior" refers to the first level of impact a disease has on the body. this area is protected by the "wei qi" or …)".

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