Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Yi Zhi Ren (益智仁), the fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla, warms the Kidney and secures the essence and urine, and warms the Spleen to control the fluids (stopping excessive salivation and diarrhoea).
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Alpinia oxyphylla (Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae)
Common English Name
Black cardamom
Taste
Acrid
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Spleen, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Warms the Kidney, secures the essence and reduces urination
- Warms the Spleen, stops diarrhoea and controls salivation
Indications
Kidney yang deficiency with frequent urination, enuresis, dribbling urination and seminal emission; and Spleen cold with diarrhoea, abdominal pain and excessive drooling.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Shan Yao and Wu Yao (Suo Quan Wan) for frequent urination and enuresis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in yin deficiency with heat and in damp-heat causing urinary symptoms.
