Ginger Peel … Classic Formulas
Jiang Pi · Cortex Zingiberis
Primary Actions
- Promotes urination and reduces edema - Jiang Pi is used when swelling is superficial, relatively early, or associated with mild dysfunction of the exterior and fluids.
- Mildly releases the exterior - the peel retains some of ginger's dispersing nature but is gentler and cooler than the inner rhizome.
- Relieves distention from fluid stagnation - traditional use includes abdominal or body-surface puffiness when dampness and constrained qi are both present.
Classic Formulas
- Wu Pi Yin - classic edema formula in which Sheng Jiang Pi or Jiang Pi joins other peels to move qi and drain superficial swelling.
- Exterior-fluid formulas using qi-moving peels - traditional strategy when mild edema and surface obstruction appear together.
Classical Text References
- Me and Qi describes Sheng Jiang Pi as pungent and cool, entering the Spleen and Lung to cause diuresis and alleviate edema.
- Traditional teaching repeatedly emphasizes the peel-versus-flesh distinction, making Jiang Pi one of the clearest examples of part-specific medicinal action within a common food plant.