Ge Gen
English Name: Pueraria root, kudzu root
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Puerariae
Medica Category: Wind-Heat Releasing Herbs
Properties: Ge Gen enters the Spleen and Stomach channels; it is sweet and acrid in nature and cool in temperature.
What is Ge Gen?:
The Chinese Herb Ge Gen is kudzu root from the species (Pueraria Lobata (wild.) Ohwi.). The kudzu plant itself is a fast-growing, climbing vine native to East Asia that was introduced to the southeastern US in the 1930’s and 40’s to help control erosion, where it has proven to be fast-growing and difficult to control (and is considered an invasive species).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Ge Gen:
Ge Gen dispels wind from the exterior and relaxes muscles—it is commonly added to formulas that release wind-heat from the exterior for the purpose of relaxing tension/alleviating pain in the neck and shoulders.
Ge Gen releases pathogenic factors from the skin and is commonly used to promote the eruption of measles (w/Sheng Ma).
Ge Gen clears heats while generating fluids, making it useful in treating Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting syndrome) where internal heat is drying up body fluids.