Sha Ren (Cardamom (Grains of Paradise Fruit))

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

Channels:

SP, ST

Properties:

Spicy, Warm, Aromatic

Latin:

Fructus Amomi

Chinese:

砂仁

Tone Marks:

shā rén

Translation:

Sand Seeds

Chinese Herb Actions

• Moves Qi, Transforms Damp, Strengthens Spleen
  For indigestion, abdominal distention and pain, epigastric distention and pain, lack of appetitie, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Warms the Spleen, Stops Diarrhea
  For diarrhea due to cold in the Spleen
• Calms Fetus, Stabilizes Pregnancy
  For a restless fetus due to an unstable pregnancy, morning sickness, bleeding, and abdominal pain.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Do not use in cases of heat due to Yin Deficiency

Herb-Drug Interactions

• Sha Ren has anti-platelet action and caution should be used with patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant meds. This possible interaction is undocumented.

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• None noted, though allergic reactions have occurred with pruritis
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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 3-6 grams in decoction, added at the end of cooking ¹²
• 3-6 grams in decoction, crush and add at end of cooking ¹³

Chinese Herb Notes

• This herb is warming and helps the Qi to flow smoothly thereby harmonizing the Middle Jiao and naturally calming the fetus.

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

• Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats.
  J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 16;103(2):149-53. Epub 2005 Nov
• Cardamom extract as inhibitor of human platelet aggregation.
  Phytother Res. 2005 May;19(5):437-40.
• Dietary cardamom inhibits the formation of azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in mice and reduces COX-2 and iNOS expression in the colon.
  Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2005 Apr-Jun;6(2):118-22.
• Evaluation of the gastric antiulcerogenic effect of large cardamom (fruits of Amomum subulatum Roxb).
  J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 May;75(2-3):89-94.

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• Sha Ren has demonstrated inhibiting and stimulating gastrointestinal (1) effects and mild antiplatelet effects (2).
• Sha Ren is shown to be effective on patients with nausea (3) and peptic ulcer disease (4).
  
  
  • 1. Zhong Yao xue, 1998; 326:327
  • 2. Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Lin Chuan, 1990; 6(5):32
  • 3. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 326:327
  • 4. Fu Jian zhong Yi Yao, 1983; (6):36

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Dan Shen Yin (Salvia Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis
• Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
• Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder)
  Category: Formulas that Tonify the Qi
• Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat