Since dried ginger is used in so many Chinese formulas and its actions are fairly different from fresh ginger, it deserves its own blog.Whole ginger, dried under ambient temperature, under the sun or solar cells, retains the most volatile oil and pytochemicals [ref].
Species
Blue-Ring Ginger
This variety has a light blue ring perimeter when sliced. They are believed to be juicier and has a lighter taste. They are less common and are typically more expensive. For example, the Bubba Baba ginger is a Hawaiian mix ($17/pound).
Common Ginger
Some call it yellow ginger. Common ginger cost between $2 to $3 per pound in Austin, TX. One can find fresh ginger at HEB, WholeFoods, or most Chinese stores.
Growth
Ginger is a perennial low maintenance plant. They can be grown in containers or in the ground. With some preparation, store purchased ginger can grow into plants. Here is a good website describing how easy it is. The key to higher production is rich soil.
Zingiber officinale is in the USDA Plant Database. Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:
USA: Zingiber officinale is not found in the wild. USDA Zones: 9-12.
Native: Zingiber officinale in its current cultivar is not typically found in the wild
Habitats: Tropical areas
Category: Warm Interior Expel Cold
English: Ginger (Dried) Pinyin: Gan Jiang Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis
Organs: Heart • Lung • Spleen • Stomach Temperature: Hot
Taste: Pungent Toxicity: None noted
Patterns:Externally contracted cold • Cold from deficient yang qi • Bleeding • Spleen cold deficiency • Stomach cold deficiency • Devastated yang • Cough • Mucous
Bai Tong Tang • Bai Ye Tang • Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang • Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang • Da Jian Zhong Tang • Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan • Gan Cao Gan Jiang Fu Ling Bai Zhu Tang • Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang • Gan Cao Xie Xing Tang • Ge Hua Jie Cheng San • Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang • Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang • Hu Qian Wan • Huang Lian Tang • Li Zhong An Hui Tang • Li Zhong Wan • Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang • San Wu Bei Ji Wan • Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang • Shi Pi Yin • Shi Wei Bai Du San • Si Ni Jia Ren Shen Tang • Si Ni Tang • Tao Hua Tang • Tong Mai Si Ni Tang • Wen Pi Tang • Wu Ji San • Wu Mei Wan • Xiao Qing Long Tang • Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan • Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan
Variations for Gan Jiang
Pao Jiang (deep fried/ prepared ginger). Bitter. Better to warm the middle, meridians, and disperse cold
Pao Jiang Tan - better at stopping bleeding
Gan Jiang (dried ginger)- Pungent and hot. Warms the middle burner and better at alleviating interior cold and deficiency.
Sheng Jiang (raw ginger) - Pungent and warm. Better with relieving nausea, vomiting and exterior wind cold.
Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
Ginger contains coumarin and may cause overdose when used with anti-coagulant drugs.
Ginger interacts with metronidazole (antibiotic) by increasing toxicity of metronidazole. [more]
Do not use if suffering from gallstones since ginger promotes bile production
Potential Drug Interactions
Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs. Examples below:
Herbs: ♦ Anticoagulants: American Ginseng, Arnica, Rou Gui, Chamomile, Dan Shen, Dang Gui, Deertongue, Sheng Jiang, Goji Berry, Ginko Nutes, Notoginseng, Peach Kernel, Hong Hua, Sweet Clover, Vanilla Grass
Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience. While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts, variations may result from the numerous English translations. Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs. The information here is strictly for educational purposes.
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