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
