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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Potent Middle-Warming, Yang-Assisting & Metabolic Tonic (温中散寒 / 回阳通脉化湿药)

    红姜 / 红爪姜 / 赤姜 — Zingiber officinale Roscoe var. rubrum Theilade

    Pinyin: Hóngjiāng / Hóngzhuǎjiāng · Malay: Halia Bara / Halia Merah / Halia Padi · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Hot (热 / 辛热)

    Flavor

    Pungent, fiery, aromatic (辛、大辣、芳香)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺), Heart (心)

    Traditional Edict

    Warms middle burner to rescue devastated Yang, dispels cold to stop pain, warms Lungs to transform phlegm, activates blood. Premier Malay Jamu botanical for postpartum confinement warming, colic, and rheumatism.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Vastly hotter than common culinary white ginger. STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED in Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat (red tongue without coat, night sweats) and bleeding ulcers.

    Clinical Applications

    • Primary hypertension (in synergy with Roselle), osteoarthritis, metabolic insulin resistance, hyperuricemia (gout via xanthine oxidase inhibition), and muscular recovery.

    Quality Markers

    [6]-Gingerol & [6]-Shogaol (总姜辣素) >= 1.20% (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Vanilloids ([6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol) potently inhibit IkBa/NF-kB, downregulating TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6, and COX-2. 2. Downregulates ACE activity and inhibits xanthine oxidase, lowering blood pressure and uric acid. 3. Inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), protecting hippocampal neurons.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried red ginger slices (dehydrated at 45-50C to maximize shogaols): 3-9 g in decoction/tea. Fresh rhizome slices: 10-20 g. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg daily.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Nanyang Dual Cardioprotective Synergy with Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) for dual ACE inhibition and blood pressure reduction. 2. Royal Postpartum Warming Decoction with Zingiber zerumbet and Curcuma xanthorrhiza.

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