Description
What does it do
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our body is vulnerable to attacks of external evils like Wind-Cold. The Wind-Cold attack first invades the surface and triggers a quick immune response with alternating chills and heat, discomfort in the head and nose, or muscle stiffness.
In this Wind-Cold type invasion, throat discomfort is not evident but chills and stiffness are the differentiating signs. Aversion to cold occurs even when the room temperature has changed a little. One then feels the need to put on more clothes or raise the room temperature higher. Ge Gen Tang induces sweating to release the exterior and dispel Wind-Cold. Ge Gen (Pueraria or Kudzu root) is the chief Chinese herb in the formula and acts to dispel Wind-Cold, relax muscles and generate fluids. Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) helps dispel Wind-Cold and promote sweating. Bai Shao (Paeoniae Alba) and Gan Cao (Licorice) also help generate fluids and relieve discomfort. Sheng Jiang(Ginger) and Da Zao (Jujubae fruit) harmonize the spleen and the stomach and support the Qi energy. Qiang Huo (Notopterygium root) and Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens) are warm and bitter, work together to expel wind, and remove dampness.
REFERENCES
- Response of cluster headache to kudzu. Sewell RA. Headache. 2009 Jan;49(1):98-105. (Article Link)
