Source Lesser Galangal Rhizome is the dried rhizome of Alpinia officinarum Hance, (Fam. Zingiberaceae.)
Producing Areas Guangdong and Guangxi, etc.
Properties Spicy, Hot
Channels Spleen, Stomach
ACTION
- Dispels cold and warms the middle jiao, alleviates pain and relieves vomiting
For deficiency-cold of the middie jiao with cold pain in the abdomen and vomiting. - Treats cold pain in the stomach and epigastrium
- Treats cold pain in the abdomen with diarrhoea and indigestion
- Relieves toothache due to pathogenic wind-fire
Usage and Dosage
3-6 g is used in the decoction for oral use.
Also for external use.
Storage
Keep in a cool and dry place, and protect from moths.
Note
Contraindicated in the patient with vomiting due to stomach-heat, diarrhoea due to dampness-heat, and hyperactivity of fire due to yin-deficiency.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one is reddish brown in colour, fragrant, pungent, hot and with few branches.
Professional Tips
Identifying Gaoliangjiang and Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiber is):
Differences: Gaoliangjiang is used for warming the stomach while Ganjiang is used for warming the spleen.
