Ge gen is a very traditional and longstanding Chinese herb often
used in herbal formulas. This herb is also referred to as kudzu
root. It is a very common and reliable herb used for a variety of
conditions. It is one of my favorite herbs in Chinese
herbology!
According to HB Kim, LAc, some of the main actions of ge gen are
to release wind-heat and wind-cold, relax muscles, vent rashes,
clear heat and generate fluids, lift yang qi and stop diarrhea due
to damp-heat or spleen qi deficiency, and treat hypertension. It is
a sweet, acrid and cold herb. Its pharmaceutical name is pueraiae
radix. It belongs to the herbal category; disperse wind-heat (p208,
Kim).
What this means in more of a biomedical understanding is, this
herb has the ability to treat a common cold from a variety of
causes. It can help reduce body aches caused by colds. It also has
the ability to relax muscle, especially when the tension is in the
upper body. Additionally, it can greatly reduce muscle tension due
to stress.
Ge gen has the ability to treat rashes. Since it "vents" the
rash, it may first cause an exacerbation of the rash, helping
release the pathogen that has initiated the rash symptom, and then
clear the physical manifestation of the rash.
This herb is very useful in the treatment of diabetes in
combination with an MD's prescribed care. This herb helps to
generate fluids internally, decreasing excessive thirst. Ge gen
also helps in the metabolic function, aiding in the balance of
insulin levels and hunger.
Since ge gen raises the clear yang qi, primarily related to the
digestive system, it has the ability to increase the metabolic rate
and diminish hunger dependent on the root cause. Often patients who
have a slow metabolism and are unsuccessful in weight loss even
when following a prescribed diet plan, benefit from the addition of
ge gen.
Research has shown that ge gen has the ability to reduce
hypertension. It also has a beneficial effect on coronary artery
disease.
Lastly, one of my favorite aspects of ge gen, is it is able to
strongly produce these functions as a single-use herb, as well as
in an herbal formula. Many times herbs are best used in formulas,
as the combined actions of the other herbs produce the greatest
benefit. Ge gen is able to produce great benefits and is unlikely
to create any side effects alone, or in the combination of other
herbs.
While ge gen has many significant benefits, never begin using
this herb, or any other herb until discussing it with your health
care professional.
Works Cited: Kim, HB.Minibook of Oriental Medicine. 1st ed.
Anaheim: Qpuncture, 2009. Print.