TCMIO

Gan Jiang in Traditional Chinese Medicine

干姜gān jiāng

Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), known in Chinese as 干姜 is the dried rhizome of Zingiberis Rhizoma (Zingiberaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts.

This page presents its traditional TCM context, botanical identity, available evidence scope, and safety information — not as medical advice, but as an educational reference.

Traditional TCM ContextSafety information available

干姜 (Zingiberis Rhizoma) - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Piyush Kothari.

Image details

License: Source: Sogou Baike (baike.sogou.com)

Attribution: Source: Sogou Baike — 干姜

On this page

Key Facts

Material
Dried Rhizome
Botanical source
Zingiberis Rhizoma
Direct human evidence
No verified study currently linked

What Is Gan Jiang?

Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), known in Chinese as 干姜 is the dried rhizome of Zingiberis Rhizoma (Zingiberaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as hot in nature and pungent in flavor.

Warms the Middle Jiao, dispels Cold, restores Devastated Yang. Used for Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold.[1]

Botanical description: Gan Jiang is the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae), the same species as fresh Sheng Jiang. The rhizome is harvested in winter, cleaned, and dried (sometimes after brief boiling or steaming). Unlike fresh ginger, the dried rhizome is harder, darker, less juicy, and has a more pungent, warming character. Drying concentrates the gingerols, which partially convert to shogaols.

Traditional TCM Context

Nature: HotFlavor: PungentMeridians: Heart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Traditional functions: Warms the Middle Jiao, dispels Cold, restores Devastated Yang. Used for Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold.[1]

Traditional uses: Used for cold-pattern diarrhea, abdominal pain relieved by warmth, vomiting of clear fluids, cold extremities. Paired with Huang Lian in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang for balanced hot-cold regulation.

Related TCM patterns

Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold脾胃虚寒

This description reflects traditional TCM theory and is not a modern medical diagnosis or treatment claim.

What Research Applies to Gan Jiang?

Gingerols and shogaols demonstrate gastroprotective, antiemetic, and prokinetic effects. Clinical studies support use for functional dyspepsia and nausea.

No published research studies are currently linked to Gan Jiang in this library.

Research information will be added as verified studies become available.

Safety Information

Safety Summary

What is known

Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency with Heat signs and during acute febrile illness. May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants.

What remains uncertain

  • Herb-specific clinical safety data (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are not available for review.
  • Drug-herb interaction data specific to Gan Jiang may be lacking; most published interaction studies use extracts or isolated compounds.

Who should seek professional guidance

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescription medications, people managing chronic conditions, and anyone considering herbal products for children should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Gan Jiang or any herbal product.

Platform safety boundary

TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. We do not provide dosage guidance, administration instructions, or individualized treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.

Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use has not been systematically evaluated for Gan Jiang as a medicinal material. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Sources Used on This Page(2)

  1. 1.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Supports: Botanical Identity, Traditional TCM Context, Traditional Functions

    Reliability: High

    Source type: Government Source

  2. 2.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020. Monograph: Zingiberis Rhizoma (Gan Jiang).

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Reliability: gold

    Last checked: July 2026

    Source type: pharmacopoeia

Prepared by: TCMIO Editorial TeamLast updated: July 2, 2026Editorial PolicySafety Policy

Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.