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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Cao Dou Kou (Katsumada's Galangal Seeds)

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

Channels:
SP, ST

Properties:
Spicy, Warm, Aromatic

Latin Name:
Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai

Cao Dou Kou means "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Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.