Ge Gen (Pueraria, Kudzu Root)

Herb 6 of 12 in Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

Photo Note:

Ye Ge Gen (Peureria Lobata)

Channels:

SP, ST

Properties:

Sweet, Spicy, Cool

Latin:

Radix Puerariae

Chinese:

葛根

Tone Marks:

gé gēn

Chinese Herb Actions

• Releases the Muscles and Disperses Wind-Heat
  For external pathogens lodged in the muscles causing tightness and stiffness in upper back and neck, fever, and headache.
• Generates Fluids and Stops Thirst
  Used when stomach heat causes thirst, especially due to Wind-Heat invasion.
• Promotes the Expression of Measles
• Stops Diarrhea and Dysentery
  Can be used when diarrhea or dysentery occur due to heat. Also used for diarrhea occurring from Spleen deficiency if combined with other herbs.
• Reduces Symptoms of Hypertension
  Treats headache, dizziness, paresthesias, or tinnitus as a result of hypertension.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Caution in patients with excessive sweating, or stomach cold.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 6-12 grams.
• Part used: root.

Chinese Herb Notes

• Roasting herb until it turns a yellow color will reduce its cooling action, (used this way for spleen deficiency)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang (Bupleurum and Kudzu Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat
• Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin (Scallion Decoction with Seven Ingredients)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Interior Deficiency
• Ge Gen Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang (Kudzu, Coptis, and Scutellaria Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior-Interior Excess
• Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Head and Neck Symptoms
• Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat
• Yu Ye Tang (Jade Fluid Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Enrich the Yin and Moisten Dryness