Pharmaceutical Name

Rhizoma Zedoariae

Botanical Name

1. Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.; 2. Curcuma aromatica Salisb.; 3. Curcuma Kwangsiensis S. Lee et C. F. Liang

Common Name

Zedoary, Zedoaria

Source of Earliest Record

Yaoxing Lun

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations

The rhizomes are dug in autumn or winter. They are cleaned, boiled and dried. After the fibrous roots have been removed, the rhizomes are cut into slices.

Properties & Taste

Pungent and bitter

Meridians

Liver and spleen

Functions

1. To invigorate blood and move stagnation; 2. To promote qi circulation and stop pain

Indications & Combinations

1. Qi and blood stagnation manifested as abdominal pain, amenorrhea, abdominal or epigastric masses. Zedoary (Ezhu) is used with Burreed tuber (Sanleng) in the formula Ezhu Wan. 2. Dysfunction of the spleen in transforming and transporting manifested as retention of food, epigastric and abdominal distension, fullness and pain. Zedoary (Ezhu) is used with Burreed tuber (Sanleng), Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha), Costus root (Muxiang) and Immature bitter orange (Zhishi).

Dosage

3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications

This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy and during profuse menstrual flow.