Jiāng Huáng (姜黄) — Turmeric Rhizome
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Jiāng Huáng (姜黄) is the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa, known in English as turmeric. In Chinese herbal medicine it is distinct from Yù Jīn (the tuberous root of related Curcuma species), although both come from the curcuma family. Jiāng Huáng belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate the Blood and is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine for Blood and Qi stagnation, particularly when accompanied by wind-damp and pain.
I prescribe Jiāng Huáng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Jiāng Huáng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 姜黄 |
| Latin name | Curcuma longa (rhizome) |
| English name | Turmeric rhizome |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Liver |
| Category | Herbs that invigorate the Blood |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Invigorates the Blood and moves Qi
- Dispels Wind and unblocks the channels
- Alleviates pain, particularly in the shoulders and upper limbs
Indications
- Painful periods and amenorrhoea from Blood and Qi stagnation
- Shoulder and upper-limb pain from wind-damp lodged in the channels
- Abdominal and chest pain from Blood stasis with Qi stagnation
- Joint pain in rheumatic complaints with cold-damp features
4. Modern research
Turmeric’s active constituents are the curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin) and the volatile oils (turmerone, atlantone). Curcumin has been studied extensively for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antiplatelet effects. Clinical evidence supports use in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and depression, with effect sizes that, while modest, are consistent across trials. Curcumin has poor oral bioavailability on its own, which is why traditional decoctions and modern formulations often combine it with piperine or fats.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy — the Blood-moving action can promote uterine contraction. Use with caution alongside anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs) and antiplatelet drugs because of additive bleeding risk. May cause gastric irritation in patients with gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Jiāng Huáng as part of tailored herbal formulas for frozen shoulder, chronic shoulder pain, rheumatic joint pain with cold-damp features, painful periods with Blood stasis, and post-traumatic pain. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally.
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Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
