Sha Ren (Cardamom (Grains of Paradise Fruit))

Chinese Herb Actions

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 Contraindications & Cautions

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

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• None noted, though allergic reactions have occurred with pruritis

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.

Western / Biomedical Research

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

Provided as research context — a summary of published biomedical study, not a therapeutic or medical claim.

• 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.
• 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

Chinese Herb Notes

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