Amomi Fructus seu Semen

Pinyin Mandarin Name

Sha Ren

Common English Name

Cardamom Seed

Part of Plant Used

Fruit

Nature

Warm

Taste

Acrid, aromatic

Meridians Entered

Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys

Common Usages

This herb is used in formulas to treat stomach disorders, including stagnant or obstructed food in the stomach (TCM: stagnant Qi; dampness obstruction); vomiting and diarrhea (TCM: internal cold and damp); and to reduce uterine contractions in the event of threatened miscarriage.

Traditional Usages and Functions

Moves Qi and strengthens Stomach; promotes movement of food; transforms dampness and stops vomiting; calms the fetus.

Common Formulas Used In

Bupleurum, inula, and Cyperus; Ginseng and Atractylodes; Hoelen and Polyporus

Processing Required

-

Remarks

Because if cardamom's effectiveness in moving food through the digestive tract, it is used in formulas that have a strong tonic action to balance those formulas' tendencies to be damp in nature, a factor that may lead to stagnation.

Cardamom is added last when preparing raw herbs for drinking, since its aromatic qualities dissipate with long boiling.

Cautions in Use

Do not use this herb when there is a stong Yin deficiency or heat signs caused by Yin deficiency