Ge Gen Tang
(Kudzu Decoction aka Rx. Puerariae Decoction)

Note: Presented as a sample of a Chinese Herb Formula & what the Herbalist needs to know before suggesting that his or her patient should take:

Ge Gen Tang is a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) formula that is listed in most formula books under the heading of RELEASING EXTERNAL WIND-COLD OF THE EXCESS TYPE.

External Wind-Cold are pathological conditions caused by exogenous pathogenic factors that invade the body’s superficial parts. Exterior conditions involve the Lung and affect the skin, hair, muscles, channels and collaterals.  Exterior syndromes are typified by sudden onset, superficial location, mild symptoms & short duration. Chills and fever, headache, body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, sneezing, coughing, normal tongue color with thin coating, floating pulse are the main symptoms. External wind-cold excess or full type exhibit chills and fever, no sweating, muscle aches and a floating, moderate pulse.

Ge Gen Tang has a function to promote sweating to release the exterior, dispel wind-cold, generate fluids and relieve muscle aches. There are two functions for which Ge Gen Tang is indicated. The first indication is an external wind-cold of the excess/full type with specific symptoms of a stiff neck and upper back, chills and fever, no sweating, muscle aches with a dislike of wind. The tongue is normal with a thin white coating and the pulse is floating and tight pulse.  The second is Tai yang and yang ming syndromes simultaneously with symptoms of diarrhea or nausea, chills and fever, muscle aches, frontal headache, orbital and eye pain, dry nasal passages, irritability and insomnia. The tongue would be slightly red with a thin white coating and the pulse would be floating. This formula is to be used cautiously in hypertension

Note: Formula can treat transitional stage between acute & chronic rhinitis or sinusitis. Very effective in treating acute stiff neck & upper respiratory infection.

Ge Gen Tang has seven ingredients:

Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae or Kudzu) is known in the Southern United States as the nuisance weed used for the management of alcohol abuse. In this formula it is used to release the external wind-cold, dispel pathogens from the muscle level, relieve muscle aches( pathogen enters muscle layer), generate fluids. It is the chief herb in the formula using 12 grams. It is acrid, sweet & cold.

Ma Huang (Hb.Ephedrae) is the deputy chief herb and is used to promote sweating to release external wind-cold using 9 grams. It is acrid, slightly bitter & warm.

Gui Zhi (Rm. Cinnamomi Cassiae) is also a deputy and is acrid, sweet and warm. It releases the exterior wind-cold; 6grams are used.

Bai Shao Yao (Rx. Paeconias) with 6 grams is one of the assistant herbs & is bitter, sour & cool and is used to harmonize the protective and nutritive Qi. It nourishes the blood and astringes fluids.

Sheng Jiang (Rx. Zingiberis Officinalis Recens) with 6 grams is another assistant herb that is acrid & warm and functions to harmonize the stomach, regulate the protective and nutritive Qi with Bai Shao. It relieves nausea and aches.

Da Zao (Fructus  Zizyphi Jujubae) with 4 pieces is the third assistant & is sweet, neutral and harmonizes the stomach, regulates the protective and nutritive Qi. It tonifies the middle burner and nourishes the blood.

Zhi Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrbizae praep.) With 6 grams is the envoy herb & is sweet, warm AND harmonizes the formula. It also tonifies the middle burner.

The Chinese herbal formula Xing Jiu Ling which contains six plants (herbs) including Puerariae (Ge Gen) is traditionally used for reducing human alcohol inebriation.

                                                                                                                   Dr. Al.