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Geng Mi梗米

Rice · Non-glutinous Rice · Polished Round Rice

Herbs that Tonify the Qi 补气药Ming Yi Bie Lu 《名医别录》

Overview

Ordinary non-glutinous rice — written in most materia medica texts — used as a medicine in its own right. Sweet and neutral, it supports the stomach qi, generates fluids and eases irritability, and it cushions the digestion against cold, harsh ingredients. That last role is why it sits in Bai Hu Tang and Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang next to a large dose of Shi Gao: it keeps the heat-clearing from stripping the middle burner.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Neutral

Channels

Spleen · Stomach

Typical Dosage

6–9 g cooked with the decoction until the grain splits
梗米Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Augments qi, harmonises the stomachWeak appetite and digestion, thin stools and fatigue during recovery from illness.
  • Generates fluids, relieves irritabilityThirst and restlessness once heat has consumed the fluids.
  • Protects the middle from harsh herbsBuffers gypsum-heavy heat-clearing formulas so that the cold does not injure the stomach — its role in Bai Hu Tang.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Geng Mi

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Weak appetite and digestion in convalescence
    - Thirst and irritability after a febrile illness
    - Thin stools with fatigue
    - As a protective ingredient in cold, heat-clearing formulas

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Convalescent nutritionDehydrationPoor appetiteGastritis

Contraindications

Cautions

A staple food with no significant restriction at these amounts. In damp-heavy patterns with a thick greasy tongue coating it adds little; a thin gruel is preferable to a large quantity. Patients managing blood sugar should count it as the carbohydrate it is.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: A food — compatible with pregnancy at culinary and medicinal amounts alike.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Ming Yi Bie Lu《名医别录》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

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.