Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 高良薑 · Gao Liang Jiang |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Interior-warming |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | The dried rhizome and root of Alpinia officinarum Oliv.(Zingiberaceae) |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Hot |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Spleen, Stomach |
|---|
What Is Gao Liang Jiang?
Gao Liang Jiang (Lesser Galangal Rhizome) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Hot
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach
Gao Liang Jiang: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma
Botanical Origin
The dried rhizome and root of Alpinia officinarum Oliv.(Zingiberaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has aromatic odor, acrid and spicy taste, few branches, and reddish-brown color.
Macroscopic Features
Cylindrical, often twisted, with branches, 5~9cm long, 1~1.5cm diameter. Externally brownish-red to dark brown, with thin and dense longitudinal wrinkles and grayish-brown wave-like rippled segments, internode is about 0.2~1cm long; one side has round scar of root. Firm and pliable texture, difficult to break; fractured surface is grayish-brown or reddish-brown, fibrous, about 1/3 is the stele portion. Aromatic odor; acrid and spicy taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; HotSpleenStomach
Traditional Functions
Warms the stomach and stops vomiting, disperses cold and relieves pain.
How Gao Liang Jiang Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Gao Liang Jiang is classified among the Interior-warming herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
