Cao Dou Kou (Katsumada's Galangal Seeds), Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai

"The Kidneys manifest in the head hair"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Herb 3 of 8 in Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness

Channels:

SP, ST

Properties:

Spicy, Warm, Aromatic

Latin:

Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai

Chinese:

草豆蔻

Tone Marks:

căo dòu kòu

Translation:

Grass Cardamon

Actions

Warms the Middle Jiao and Dries Dampness
For Damp and Cold in the Middle Jiao (SP/ST) with symptoms such as fullness, pain, and cold in the abdomen, vomiting (usually of clear fluids), loose stool or diarrhea, low appetite, and a greasy white tongue coating.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases of Blood or Yin Deficiency

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Dosage

3-6 grams

Notes

As Cao Dou Kou is aromatic, it should be added at the end of an herbal decoction.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang (Magnolia Bark Decoction for Warming the Middle)
Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi

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 Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.