Ge Jie
Gekko gecko Linnaeus
☯ TCM Properties
Tonifies Lung Qi; Assists Yang; Aids the Kidneys in Grasping Qi; Nourishes Essence and Blood; Stops Cough
Botanical Description
Ge Jie is the dried body of the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko), a large nocturnal lizard in the family Gekkonidae native to South and Southeast Asia and southern China. Adults reach 25-35 cm in total length and are easily recognised by their bluish-grey skin spotted with bright orange to red tubercles, large lidless eyes with vertical pupils, and characteristic loud territorial call from which the genus takes its name. For medicinal use the gecko is gutted, the eyes removed, the body splinted flat against thin bamboo sticks with the tail intact, and air-dried; the tail is considered the most potent part and pairs (male and female) are traditionally sold together. This is an animal product, not a plant.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ge Jie (gecko) is a warm, salty animal substance used in Chinese medicine to tonify Kidney Yang and Lung Qi, stop coughing and wheezing, and supplement Essence. It is used for chronic cough and asthma from Kidney failing to grasp Lung Qi — the pattern where the Kidney's grasping function is inadequate to anchor Lung Qi downward during respiration. It also addresses impotence, lower back weakness, and urinary incontinence from Kidney Yang deficiency. As a tonic for both Lung and Kidney simultaneously, it is used in chronic respiratory and reproductive weakness patterns.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
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.