What diseases is Chinese valerian (Gan Song) most effective for treating?

Generally speaking, Gan Song is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It can be used to treat conditions such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, indigestion, oral ulcers, and joint pain. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Appetite: Gan Song has a pungent taste and warm nature, affecting the spleen and stomach meridians. Its aromatic properties help refresh the spleen and restore gastrointestinal function, thereby improving symptoms of poor appetite.

2. Abdominal Distension: Gan Song promotes the movement of qi and eliminates stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract, thus relieving bloating. Additionally, its ability to dry dampness and strengthen the spleen helps alleviate abdominal discomfort caused by dampness obstructing the middle jiao.

3. Indigestion: Gan Song enhances the digestive and transformative functions of the spleen and stomach, improves gastrointestinal motility and secretion, and thereby relieves symptoms of indigestion.

4. Oral Ulcers: Gan Song possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth and reproduction of oral bacteria, reduce inflammatory responses, and promote the healing of oral ulcers. Moreover, it can also relieve pain and discomfort associated with oral ulcers.

5. Joint Pain: Gan Song helps eliminate wind-damp pathogens from the body and unblock the meridians, thus alleviating joint pain. Its analgesic effect also helps reduce patient discomfort. It should be noted that the use of traditional Chinese medicines must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet and consuming adequate vitamins and protein—such as from broccoli and eggs—can help enhance immune function and promote overall health.