Cao Guo (Tsaoko Fruit), Fructus Amomi Tsao-ko

"The Kidneys control the two lower orifices"

Do you use this site? Please help keep this site alive and support Chinese Medicne!

Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Herb 4 of 8 in Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness

Channels:

SP, ST

Properties:

Spicy, Warm

Latin:

Fructus Amomi Tsao-ko

Chinese:

草果

Tone Marks:

căo guŏ

Translation:

Grass Fruit

Actions

Dries Dampness and Warms the Middle Jiao
For Damp and Cold accumulation in the Spleen and Stomach with symptoms such as abdominal fullness and pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a greasy tongue coating.
Treats Malarial Disorders
For Malaria due to cold and dampness with symptoms such as intermittent chills and fever.
Dissipates Heat Accumulation
For fullness and pain due to heat stagnation.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases of Qi or Blood 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

Cao Dou Kou and Cao Guo both warm the middle and dry damp, Cao Dou Kou however, is slightly stronger.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Da Yuan Yin (Reach the Membrane Source Decoction)
Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders
Shi Pi Yin (Bolster the Spleen Decoction)
Formulas that Warm and Transform Water and Dampness

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 Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.