Gēng Mǐ (粳米) — Non-glutinous rice
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
- Frequently asked questions
1. Overview
Gēng Mǐ (粳米) — Oryza sativa — is known in English as Non-glutinous rice. It belongs to the category of food herbs that tonify the Stomach and Spleen in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Gēng Mǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Gēng Mǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 粳米 |
| Latin name | Oryza sativa |
| English name | Non-glutinous rice |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Qi tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies Stomach and Spleen Qi
- Generates fluids and relieves thirst
- Protects the Stomach from harsh, cold herbs
Indications
- Weak digestion with poor appetite
- Thirst and irritability in febrile illness, where it protects the fluids
- Included in strong cold formulas to shield the Stomach
4. Key formulas containing Gēng Mǐ
Gēng Mǐ is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
- Bai Hu Jia Cang Zhu Tang
- Bai Hu Jia Gui Zhi Tang
- Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang
- Hua Ban Tang
- Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 346 formulas.
5. Modern research
Non-glutinous rice is the staple food grain, and in TCM it is included in formulas such as Bai Hu Tang specifically to protect the Stomach from very cold herbs and to preserve fluids. Also known as Jing Mi or Bai Mi.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Gēng Mǐ in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
A food-grade substance that is very safe. People with diabetes should account for it as a carbohydrate.
Pattern contraindications
No specific pattern contraindications; it is a neutral, protective food herb.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Gēng Mǐ at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I include Gēng Mǐ in classical formulas where the Stomach needs protection from cooling herbs.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
9. Frequently asked questions
What is Geng Mi (rice) used for?
Geng Mi is non-glutinous rice used as a herb to tonify the Stomach and Spleen, generate fluids and ease irritability and thirst. Its best-known role is in the formula Bai Hu Tang, where it protects the Stomach from very cold, heat-clearing herbs.
What are the benefits of Geng Mi?
It gently supports digestion, harmonises other herbs in a formula and helps replace fluids lost through fever or thirst. As an everyday food it is one of the most easily digested grains for a weak Spleen.
How is Geng Mi used?
It is usually cooked with other herbs in decoction, in amounts of around 9–30g. As food, plain well-cooked rice or rice congee is the classic gentle meal for a delicate or recovering digestion.
Are there any cautions with Geng Mi?
Geng Mi is essentially a food and is very safe. It is best eaten warm and well-cooked; for a damp, sluggish digestion, plain rice suits better than heavy, rich or sugary dishes.
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.
