Gāo Liáng Jiāng (高良姜) — Lesser Galangal Rhizome
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1. Overview
Gāo Liáng Jiāng (高良姜) — Alpinia officinarum rhizome — is one of the most effective herbs in Chinese medicine for cold-pattern epigastric pain. It is pungent and hot, with a powerful focus on the Stomach channel. Often confused with greater galangal (Alpinia galanga), the true Gao Liang Jiang has a characteristic dark reddish-brown colour, strong fibrous texture and intensely pungent ginger-like flavour. It is the chief herb in Liang Fu Wan, where it pairs with Xiang Fu to warm the Stomach and regulate Liver Qi simultaneously.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Gāo Liáng Jiāng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 高良姜 |
| Latin name | Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinari / Alpinia officinarum |
| English name | Lesser galangal rhizome |
| Nature | Hot |
| Flavour | Pungent |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Warm interior herbs that expel Cold |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Warms the Middle Jiao and disperses Cold
- Alleviates pain
- Descends rebellious Stomach Qi and stops vomiting
Indications
- Cold-pattern epigastric pain relieved by warmth and pressure
- Vomiting of clear thin fluids from Cold in the Stomach
- Cold-induced abdominal pain with belching and acid regurgitation
- Hiccups from Cold in the Stomach
- Chronic gastritis with cold pattern
4. Key formulas containing Gāo Liáng Jiāng
- Liang Fu Wan — Cold-invading-Stomach with Liver Qi stagnation
5. Cautions
Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with Heat, in Stomach Fire patterns, and in pregnancy. Hot and drying nature can aggravate dry-mouth, thirst and constipation conditions. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
