Gan Song (Xiang)
StarNardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC.
☯ TCM Properties
Awakens the Spleen, promotes the movement of Qi, unblocks Stagnation, disperses Cold and alleviates pain
Traditional Chinese Uses
Gan Song is the dried root and rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi, classified among the Qi-regulating herbs. Sweet and pungent with a warm, aromatic nature, it enters the Spleen, Stomach and Heart channels. It awakens the Spleen and promotes the movement of Qi, unblocks Stagnation, disperses Cold and alleviates pain, making it useful for distension and pain of the chest and abdomen, poor appetite and cold-type stomachache from Qi stagnation. It is classically paired with Mu Xiang (Aucklandia) and Xiang Yuan (Citron), and is also applied externally as a wash or paste for tinea and swollen feet. A usual dose is 3–6 g.
Because it also settles the spirit, it has been used for restlessness and low mood. Nardostachys is a threatened Himalayan species listed on CITES Appendix II, so sustainably sourced material is preferred.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Gan Song (Xiang) is the dried rhizome and root of Nardostachys jatamansi (Caprifoliaceae; formerly Valerianaceae), a perennial herb of high-elevation Himalayan and southwestern Chinese meadows from 3000 to 5000 m. The plant forms a stout, woody rhizome densely clothed in persistent fibrous remains of old leaf bases, from which arise rosettes of oblanceolate to spathulate radical leaves 10–25 cm long, sparsely pubescent and entire. The flowering stem rises 10–40 cm and bears terminal dense capitate cymes of small pinkish to pale purple, tubular, five-lobed flowers about 6–8 mm long. The whole rhizome system has a powerful, sweet, musky-aromatic odour due to sesquiterpenoid valerenones and jatamansone.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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