Pharmaceutical Name

Fructus Amomi kravanh

Botanical Name

1. Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep. 2. Amomum compactum Soland. ex Maton

Common Name

Round cardamom seed

Source of Earliest Record

Kaibao Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations

The yellow fruit is gathered from October to December, dried in the sun and broken into pieces.

Properties & Taste

Pungent and warm

Meridians

Lung, spleen and stomach

Functions

1. To promote qi circulation and transform dampness;2. To warm the spleen and stomach and stop vomiting

Indications & Combinations

1. Dampness blocking spleen and stomach or qi stagnation in the spleen manifested as distension, fullness and no appetite. Round cardamom seed (Baidoukou) is used with Magnolia bark (Houpo), Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi). 2. Early stage of damp-heat febrile diseases manifested as stifling sensation in the chest, absence of hunger and sticky tongue coating. Round cardamom seed (Baidoukou) is used with Talc (Huashi), Coix seed (Yiyiren) and Amomum fruit (Sharen) in the formula Sanren Tang. For cases of excess heat, Round cardamom seed (Baidoukou) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Coptis root (Huanglian) and Talc (Huashi) in the formula Huangqin Huashi Tang. 3. Vomiting due to cold in the stomach. Round cardamom seed (Baidoukou) is used with Agastache (Huoxiang) and Pinellia tuber (Banxia). 4. Infantile vomiting due to cold in the stomach. Round cardamom seed (Baidoukou) is used with Amomum fruit (Sharen) and Licorice root (Gancao).

Dosage

3-6 g