Roots and rhizomesExterior-releasingRadix Puerariae

Ge Gen (Kudzu Root)

葛根 · Ge Gen

Exterior-releasing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Resolves exterior, abates heat, engenders fluid, outthrusts measles, raise yang, relieves diarrhea.

In-Depth Guide

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Quick Facts

Latin NameRadix Puerariae
Chinese Name & Pinyin葛根 · Ge Gen
Medicinal PartRoots and rhizomes
Efficacy CategoryExterior-releasing
Botanical OriginThe dried root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (Fabaceae).
Nature & FlavourSweet, Acrid; Cool
Channels EnteredSpleen, Stomach, Lung

What Is Ge Gen?

Ge Gen (Kudzu Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hunan.

Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Acrid; Cool
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Ge Gen: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Radix Puerariae

Botanical Origin

The dried root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (Fabaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hunan.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is white, large, firm, powdery, less fibrous.

Macroscopic Features

Longitudinally cut into long square-shaped thick pieces or small cubed chunks, 5~35cm long, 0.5~1cm thick. Outer skin is pale brown, with longitudinal wrinkles, rough. Cut surface is yellowish-white, with indistinct lines. Pliable texture, fibrous. faint odor; slightly sweet taste.

Traditional TCM Properties

Sweet, Acrid; CoolSpleenStomachLung

Traditional Functions

Resolves exterior, abates heat, engenders fluid, outthrusts measles, raise yang, relieves diarrhea. Apply to fever and headache caused by exogenous pathogens, stiffness of the neck due to hypertension, hydrodipsia, diabetes, measles without adequate eruptions, dysentery of heat type, diarrhea.

How Ge Gen Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Ge Gen is classified among the Exterior-releasing herbs. It appears in 9 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Ge Gen are traditionally used for:

FeverCold LimbsNeck PainMuscular StiffnessNasal CongestionSpontaneous SweatingDiarrheaAbdominal PainDry Mouth & ThroatHeadacheSore ThroatCough

Classical Formulas Containing Ge Gen

+5 more

Herbs Commonly Combined with Ge Gen

Ma HuangGui ZhiBai ShaoSheng JiangDa ZaoZhi Gan CaoHuang QinHuang LianTian Hua FenMai DongRen ShenFu Ling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ge Gen? Is it the same as Fen Ge or kudzu starch?
Official Ge Gen (葛根) is the dried root of Pueraria lobata. The pharmacopoeial name is Puerariae Lobatae Radix; it is also called Chai Ge. Fen Ge is the dried root of Pueraria thomsonii, listed separately from 2015: starchier, lower in puerarin, more a food. Kudzu starch is the washed powder of the tuber, not the slice. Formulas usually want wild kudzu; diet may use Fen Ge. Do not treat the names as one drug.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Ge Gen?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Ge Gen is sweet, acrid and cool, enters the Spleen, Stomach and Lung channels, and acts to release the muscle layer and reduce fever, generate fluid and stop thirst, vent rashes, raise Yang and stop diarrhea, unblock the channels, and resolve alcohol toxin. It is used for exterior fever and headache, stiff nape and back, thirst and wasting-thirst, measles that will not vent, hot dysentery and diarrhea, dizzy headache, wind-stroke hemiplegia, chest-bi pain, and damage from drink. Sweet-acrid and cool, it both releases the muscle layer and raises clear Spleen-Stomach Yang.
How do raw and roasted Ge Gen differ?
Raw Ge Gen more strongly releases the muscle layer, generates fluid, vents rashes, unblocks and resolves alcohol—stiff nape from exterior attack, thirst and a rash that will not come out favor the raw root. Roasted (wei) Ge Gen lessens dispersal and better raises Yang to stop diarrhea—hot dysentery and Spleen-deficient sinking favor it. Stiff nape and hangover usually use raw; chronic diarrhea with clear Yang failing to rise may be written roasted. Name the form.
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Related Products

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Learn More About Ge Gen

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Ge Gen.

Read the Ge Gen Guide →

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.

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