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Ge Hua葛花

Puerariae Flos · Kudzu Flower · Pueraria Flower

Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness 化湿药

Overview

The flower of the same vine that yields Ge Gen, but with a quite different use: it is given almost exclusively for the effects of alcohol. Sweet and neutral, it rouses the Spleen, disperses the damp turbidity that drinking leaves behind, and settles a nauseated stomach — the herb the formula Ge Hua Jie Cheng Tang is named after.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Neutral

Channels

Spleen · Stomach

Typical Dosage

3–15 g
葛花Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Resolves alcohol turbidity, rouses the SpleenThe morning after drinking: thirst, headache, heaviness, no appetite and a thick greasy tongue coating.
  • Harmonises the stomach, stops vomitingFullness below the ribs, belching, nausea and vomiting following alcohol.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Ge Hua

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Hangover with thirst, headache and heaviness
    - Nausea, vomiting and belching after drinking
    - Poor appetite with a greasy tongue coating
    - Fullness and distension in the epigastrium

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

HangoverNauseaLoss of appetiteAlcohol-related dyspepsia

Contraindications

Cautions

It eases the discomfort that follows drinking; it does not protect the liver from alcohol and should never be treated as licence to drink more. Of little use in cold-deficiency patterns without damp turbidity. Anyone with regular heavy alcohol use needs medical assessment, not a herbal tea.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not a classical prohibition, but there is no safe level of alcohol in pregnancy and so no reason to use this herb for its main indication; any other use belongs to the treating practitioner.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中华本草》 (Zhonghua Ben Cao).

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.