Gāo Liáng Jiāng (高良姜) — Lesser Galangal Rhizome
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
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. Incompatibilities
Gāo Liáng Jiāng (高良姜) Lesser Galangal Rhizome is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. 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.
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in Heat patterns, Yin deficiency with Empty Heat, hypertension with Liver Yang rising and during the acute phase of febrile illness. Pregnancy: most warming interior herbs are contraindicated except under expert prescription for specific cold patterns.
Modern drug interactions
May interact with antihypertensives (variable effect) and cardiac medication. Fu Zi (Aconite, prepared) can interact with cardiac glycosides (digoxin) — only prescribed by practitioners trained in toxic-herb safety.
7. 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.
