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Sheng Jiang (生薑), fresh ginger root, releases the exterior for mild wind-cold, warms the Stomach to stop vomiting (‘the holy herb for vomiting’), warms the Lung to stop cough, and reduces the toxicity of other herbs and of seafood.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Zingiber officinale (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens)
Common English Name
Fresh ginger
Taste
Acrid
Temperature
Slightly warm
Channels Entered
Lung, Spleen, Stomach
Actions & Functions
- Releases the exterior and disperses mild wind-cold
- Warms the middle and stops vomiting
- Warms the Lung and stops cough
- Reduces the toxicity of other herbs and of seafood
Indications
Mild wind-cold; nausea and vomiting (especially from Stomach cold); cough from cold; and to harmonise harsh herbs.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Da Zao to harmonise ying and wei and protect the Stomach; with Ban Xia for vomiting.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in heat patterns and yin deficiency with heat.