Cǎo Guǒ (草果) — Tsaoko fruit
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Cǎo Guǒ (草果) — Amomum tsao-ko — is known in English as Tsaoko fruit. It belongs to the category of aromatic herbs that transform Dampness in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Cǎo Guǒ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Cǎo Guǒ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 草果 |
| Latin name | Amomum tsao-ko |
| English name | Tsaoko fruit |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Expel dampness |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dries Dampness and warms the middle burner
- Dispels Cold and relieves fullness
- Checks intermittent fever and chills of a Damp-Cold pattern
Indications
- Epigastric and abdominal fullness and distension with Cold-Damp
- Nausea, vomiting and poor appetite
- Alternating chills and fever with a thick, greasy tongue coating
4. Key formulas containing Cǎo Guǒ
Cǎo Guǒ is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Tsaoko fruit is an aromatic spice containing volatile oils, examined preclinically for effects on gastrointestinal motility. It is used in TCM for a clearly Cold-Damp middle-burner pattern.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Cǎo Guǒ in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Being warm, acrid and drying, it is avoided in Yin deficiency, in Heat patterns and where fluids are already depleted.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for Damp-Heat presentations with a yellow greasy coat and thirst.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Cǎo Guǒ at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Cǎo Guǒ within tailored formulas for Cold-Damp obstruction of the middle burner.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
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.
