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Sha Ren (砂仁), the fruit of Amomum, aromatically transforms dampness and moves the qi, warms the middle burner to stop diarrhoea and vomiting, and calms the fetus.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Amomum villosum (Fructus Amomi)
Common English Name
Amomum / grains of paradise
Taste
Acrid
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Transforms dampness and promotes the movement of qi
- Warms the middle and stops diarrhoea and vomiting
- Calms the fetus
Indications
Damp or qi stagnation of the middle burner with abdominal distension and poor appetite; cold-damp diarrhoea and vomiting; and morning sickness with restless fetus.
Dosage
3-6 g in decoction (add near the end).
Common Combinations
Added to rich tonics (e.g. with Shu Di Huang) to aid digestion; with Mu Xiang for abdominal distension.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in yin deficiency with heat.
