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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Wind-Cold Dispelling, Musculoskeletal-Anti-Inflammatory & Analgesic (祛风散寒 / 化瘀止痛通络消肿解痉要药)

    普莱姜 / 泰国普莱 / 紫姜 / 苦姜 — Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. (syn. Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.)

    Pinyin: Pǔláijiāng / Zǐjiāng / Kǔjiāng · Malay: Bangle / Bonglai / Bonglai Putih / Bonglai Kuning · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (微温 / 温)

    Flavor

    Pungent, slightly bitter, intensely aromatic, camphoraceous (辛、微苦、大香)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Spleen (脾), Lung (肺)

    Traditional Edict

    Plai / Bangle. King of Tropical Musculoskeletal Liniments. Warms the channels, dispels wind-cold, unblocks collaterals, relieves athletic sprains, chronic joint swelling, and bronchial wheezing.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Potent blood-activating and uterine-stimulating properties; STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED internally in pregnancy. Safe topically in moderation.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute sports ligament sprains and contusions, knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain syndrome, bronchial asthma, postpartum abdominal binding, and dysmenorrhea.

    Quality Markers

    (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) >= 2.00%, Sabinene & Terpinen-4-ol (HPLC/GC-MS)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. DMPBD and cassumunarin curcuminoid analogues inhibit COX-2, 5-LOX, and iNOS with anti-inflammatory potency superior to indomethacin without gastric ulceration. 2. Sabinene relaxes bronchial smooth muscle rings. 3. TRPM8 counter-irritant analgesia.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Topical Plai Anti-Inflammatory Oil (Minyak Bangle): 10-20% fresh rhizome extract in virgin coconut oil massaged over sprains. Dried rhizome in decoction: 6-12 g daily. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Thai & Nanyang Plai Sports Analgesic Liniment with Cymbopogon flexuosus (Serai Minyak) and Virgin Coconut Oil. 2. Bronchial Asthma Antispasmodic Tea with Vitex negundo.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only