Shanjiang, also known as Zingiber montanum, is a rhizome of the ginger family found in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan. Shanjiang has the effects of warming the middle, dispersing cold, dispelling wind, promoting blood circulation, regulating qi, and relieving pain. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as cold abdominal pain, hot cough, rheumatism, toothache, bruises, irregular menstruation, vomiting of blood due to overexertion, and unknown swellings or toxins.
Warming the Middle and Dispelling Cold
Shanjiang is hot in nature, pungent, and non-toxic. According to "Traditional Medicine in Guiyang", Shanjiang "warms the lungs and dispels cold." It can be used for conditions such as wind-cold colds and cold abdominal pain.
Dispelling Wind and Promoting Blood Circulation
Shanjiang also has the effect of dispelling wind and promoting blood circulation. According to "Sichuan Materia Medica", Shanjiang is used to treat "rheumatism, joint pain, vomiting of blood due to overexertion, bruises with stagnant blood, and irregular menstruation."
Regulating Qi and Relieving Pain
Shanjiang belongs to the spleen, lung, and liver meridians. According to "Selected Compilation of Guangxi Herbal Medicine", Shanjiang "warms the middle and promotes qi circulation, reduces swelling, and relieves pain." It is used to treat conditions such as abdominal pain with diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating caused by indigestion.
Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial
The camphor oil in Shanjiang has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, bronchodilating, and analgesic effects. It is suitable for conditions such as hot cough caused by lung heat.
