Cǎo Dòu Kòu (草豆蔻) — Grass Cardamom Seed
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1. Overview
Cǎo Dòu Kòu (草豆蔻) — Alpinia katsumadai seed — is one of the aromatic warming herbs widely prescribed for Cold-Damp obstructing the Middle Jiao. Its acrid warmth dries Damp and disperses Cold, while its aromatic quality awakens the Spleen and stops vomiting. It differs from Rou Dou Kou (nutmeg) by acting primarily on Damp obstruction rather than chronic diarrhoea — Cao Dou Kou is chosen when nausea, bloating and reduced appetite predominate; Rou Dou Kou when chronic loose stools are the main concern. Should not be confused with Bai Dou Kou (round cardamom), which has a similar but milder action.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Cǎo Dòu Kòu |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 草豆蔻 |
| Latin name | Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai / Alpinia katsumadai |
| English name | Grass cardamom, Katsumada galangal seed |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Aromatic herbs that transform Damp |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dries Damp and warms the Middle Jiao
- Moves Qi and stops vomiting
Indications
- Cold-Damp obstructing the Middle Jiao with abdominal distension and fullness
- Nausea and vomiting from Damp-Cold in the Stomach
- Reduced appetite and bloating after meals
- Cold-pattern abdominal pain with epigastric stuffiness
- Adjunct in chronic gastritis and gastric ptosis with Cold-Damp pattern
4. Key formulas containing Cǎo Dòu Kòu
- Cao Dou Kou Wan — Cold-Damp obstructing the Middle Jiao
- Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang — Cold-Damp with abdominal pain and distension
5. Cautions
Add at the end of decoction to preserve the aromatic volatile oils. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with Heat. Use cautiously in pregnancy. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
