9Dried Ginger

Dried ginger (Gan-jiang) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Digestion, Heat-Generation and Normal Blood CirculationDried ginger (Gan-jiang), also known as "Dried Ginger" or "Ginger Root," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale, specifically the bumpy underground root stock that has been dried and aged. This very powerful, very warm herb has been held in high regard in traditional East Asian herbal systems for over 2000 years and is particularly known for its ability to support normal heat-generation, promote normal digestion, expel normal cold, relieve normal pain and promote normal blood circulation – making it an essential choice for people with a tendency toward normal cold-digestion complaints, normal cold-belly discomfort and normal energetic deficiency.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, dried ginger (Gan-jiang) is described as a very acrid, very warm herb with a penetrating dispersing character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Heart and Kidney meridians. According to this traditional description, dried ginger (Gan-jiang) primarily supports normal "Spleen Yang" and "Stomach warmth," helps "expel normal cold" and "stimulates normal Qi flow" – crucial TCM concepts for normal internal warming and normal digestive power.Dried ginger (Gan-jiang) is seen in TCM as a very powerful herb that "disperses normal internal cold," "tonifies normal Spleen Yang," "relieves normal pain" and "regulates normal blood circulation" – meaning it strongly but effectively addresses normal cold-related complaints. It is traditionally used to promote normal digestion, support normal appetite, ease normal cold-diarrhea, relieve normal belly pain and stimulate normal body-warming.Special Property: DRIED vs. FRESH – CRITICAL DISTINCTIONThis is a CRITICAL distinction in TCM:Sheng Jiang (FRESH GINGER): milder, dispersing, for superficial coldGan Jiang (DRIED GINGER): MUCH stronger, warming, for DEEP coldThese are TWO VERY DIFFERENT herbs with DIFFERENT actions!Botanical Composition and ResearchDried ginger (Gan-jiang) contains much more bioactive compounds than fresh ginger due to the drying process. When gingerol is converted to shogaol through drying, it penetrates much deeper:Shogaols (6-shogaol, 10-shogaol, zingerone) – much more than fresh gingerGingerols (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol) – still presentParadols – derived from shogaolsTerpenes (β-bisabolene, zingiberene) – aromatic oilsPolyphenols (quercetin, zingerone)Essential oils (2-3% in dried, much higher than fresh)Minerals (Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, K)Vitamin B6, vitamin CModern scientific research shows that dried ginger (Gan-jiang) extracts can offer diverse benefits:Normal digestion support: Studies show that shogaols can promote normal gastric emptying, stimulate normal peristalsis and support normal gastro-intestinal comfort.Warming action: Shogaols have demonstrated thermogenic effects – they literally increase body temperature via activation of brown adipose tissue and mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP1).Anti-inflammatory action: Shogaols and gingerols can help maintain normal inflammation balance by supporting normal cytokine levels (TNF‑α, IL‑6, IL‑8).Antioxidant activity: Gingerols, shogaols and zingerone possess very strong free-radical-fighting action – dried ginger has 5x stronger antioxidant action than fresh ginger.Normal pain relief: Studies suggest that certain shogaols can help regulate normal pain sensation and ease normal discomfort.Normal circulation promotion: Shogaols can promote normal blood and Qi flow by supporting vascular smooth muscle function.Normal nausea regulation: Research suggests that certain components can help regulate normal nausea (although fresh ginger is stronger for this purpose).Antimicrobial potential: Gingerols and shogaols have antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, dried ginger (Gan-jiang) is classically used in situations described as:Normal cold belly pain or epigastric discomfortNormal cold-related diarrheaLoss of normal appetite related to Spleen Yang deficiencyNormal liquid secretions in lungs with cold characterNormal cold-related cough with clear phlegmNormal shivering cold with normal internal heat lossNormal heart pain or palpitations with cold characterNormal joint pain or stiffness with cold-damp characterNormal dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) with cold characterNormal cold-amenorrhea (absent menstruation) with blood stasisThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Very Warm and Penetrating CharacterDried ginger (Gan-jiang) is traditionally seen as one of the WARMEST and most PENETRATING herbs – which very powerfully addresses normal deep-seated cold accumulation. This makes it suitable for people with deep cold constitution or chronic cold complaints.Classical FormulasDried ginger (Gan-jiang) is used in very many classical formulas:Gan Jiang Ren Shen Tang: for normal Spleen Yang deficiencyXiaoqinglong Tang: for normal cold-coughErjiang Pill: for normal heart-spleen painLizhong Wan: for normal digestive warmingTwo Forms: Gan Jiang vs. Sheng Jiang – ESSENTIAL DISTINCTION                        | Gan Jiang (DRIED)               | Sheng Jiang (FRESH) Temperature | VERY WARM                         | Warm Acridness      | VERY ACRID                           | Acrid Character      | Penetrating warming          | Dispersing superficial Depth             | DEEP cold                              | SUPERFICIAL coldClassical Use | Internal cold, Spleen Yang | External Wind-Cold Dosage           | 3–9g (MUCH LESS)              | 5–15g Very Powerful – Caution RecommendedDried ginger (Gan-jiang) is MUCH stronger than fresh ginger. It must NOT be used by:Individuals with Yin deficiency with heat signsIndividuals with heat constitutionIndividuals with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulantsIndividuals with sensitive stomach without professional adviceSeasonality and Daily UseDried ginger (Gan-jiang) fits well into cold-season wellness routines. It is traditionally NOT recommended for long-term daily use in hot seasons or by people with heat constitution.Well-being and Daily UseDried ginger (Gan-jiang) is valued by modern users as part of a conscious wellness routine aimed at normal digestive warming, normal digestion, normal cold-tolerance and normal body-warmth, especially when they have a tendency toward normal cold-feet, normal cold-belly, sluggish digestion or normal energetic deficiency. The herb works optimally in tea, in formulas or cooked into food, combined with regular movement, adequate nutrition and adequate warmth.Many users see dried ginger (Gan-jiang) as part of a cold-season health practice – as a powerful, warming element for internal warming and digestion support, alongside professional guidance and regular medical care when needed.Very Safe but POTENT ProfileDried ginger (Gan-jiang) is known as one of the safest TCM herbs for normal use, BUT it is very potent. Suitable for people with cold constitution, NOT for warm-constitution people.Very Easy to UseSimple tea: 3–9g in hot water or cookedCan be cooked into foodVery classical and traditionally safeCan be used for yearsImportant Note for the ConsumerThis product is a dietary supplement and spicy food ingredient. TCM terms such as Spleen Yang, Internal Cold-Expelling and Normal Warming are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent digestion complaints, severe belly pain or normal heat symptoms, you should always consult a doctor or health expert.CAUTION: dried ginger (Gan-jiang) is MUCH stronger than fresh ginger. Use LOWER dosages than fresh ginger.