Sheng Jiang Pi生姜皮
Pericarpium Zingiberis recens · Fresh Ginger Peel
Overview
The thin outer skin of fresh ginger, used as a medicine in its own right and with a character opposite to the flesh it comes from: acrid but cool, and directed at water rather than at cold. It harmonises the Spleen, moves water and reduces puffy swelling, which is why it sits among the five peels of Wu Pi San alongside Fu Ling Pi, Sang Bai Pi, Da Fu Pi and Chen Pi. It is a light, gentle herb — chosen for superficial oedema of the face, eyelids and limbs rather than for deep, cold fluid accumulation, which calls for the whole rhizome or for Gan Jiang.
Nature & Flavor
Acrid · CoolChannels
Spleen · LungTypical Dosage
3–10 g in decoctionActions
2 core actions
- Harmonises the Spleen, moves waterPuffiness of the face, eyelids, hands and ankles with scanty urination and a sense of heaviness; the classical peel formula Wu Pi San is built on this action.
- Reduces superficial swellingSkin-level oedema where the fluid sits shallow and the abdomen is distended but soft.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Sheng Jiang Pi
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Superficial oedema of the face, eyelids and limbs
- Scanty urination with a heavy, puffy feeling
- Soft abdominal distension from fluid retention
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Light and cool, so it is not interchangeable with the whole fresh rhizome: it will not warm a cold Stomach and does not stop vomiting. Not for oedema arising from marked yang deficiency without warming partners. Persistent or worsening swelling needs a medical assessment before it is treated as a simple damp pattern, since it can signal heart, kidney or liver disease.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific pregnancy restriction — the five-peel approach is traditionally used for swelling in pregnancy, but only under a practitioner's supervision.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- 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》.
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.