"The Spleen controls the raising of Qi"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Sha Ren (Cardamon (Grains of Paradise Fruit))

Herb 8 of 8 in Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness

Channels:
SP, ST

Properties:
Spicy, Warm, Aromatic

Latin Name:
Fructus Amomi

Sha Ren means "Sand Seeds"

Actions

Moves Qi, Transforms Damp, Strengthens Spleen
For indigestion, abdominal distention and pain, epigastric distention and pain, lack of appetitie, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Warms the Spleen, Stops Diarrhea
For diarrhea due to cold in the Spleen
Calms Fetus, Stabilizes Pregnancy
For a restless fetus due to an unstable pregnancy, morning sickness, bleeding, and abdominal pain.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases of heat due to Yin Deficiency

Herb-Drug Interactions

Sha Ren has anti-platelet action and caution should be used with patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant meds. This possible interaction is undocumented.

Toxicity and Overdose

None noted, though allergic reactions have occurred with pruritis

Dosage

3-6 grams in decoction, added at the end of cooking ¹²
3-6 grams in decoction, crush and add at end of cooking ¹³

Notes

This herb is warming and helps the Qi to flow smoothly thereby harmonizing the Middle Jiao and naturally calming the fetus.

Clinical Studies and Research

Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 16;103(2):149-53. Epub 2005 Nov
Cardamom extract as inhibitor of human platelet aggregation.
Phytother Res. 2005 May;19(5):437-40.
Dietary cardamom inhibits the formation of azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in mice and reduces COX-2 and iNOS expression in the colon.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2005 Apr-Jun;6(2):118-22.
Evaluation of the gastric antiulcerogenic effect of large cardamom (fruits of Amomum subulatum Roxb).
J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 May;75(2-3):89-94.
Sha Ren has demonstrated inhibiting and stimulating gastrointestinal (1) effects and mild antiplatelet effects (2).
Sha Ren is shown to be effective on patients with nausea (3) and peptic ulcer disease (4).
- 1. Zhong Yao xue, 1998; 326:327
- 2. Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Lin Chuan, 1990; 6(5):32
- 3. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 326:327
- 4. Fu Jian zhong Yi Yao, 1983; (6):36

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Dan Shen Yin (Salvia Decoction)
Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis
Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi
Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill)
Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.