Shā Rén (砂仁) — Amomum Fruit
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1. Overview
Shā Rén (砂仁) — Amomum villosum fruit — is one of the most commonly used aromatic herbs to transform Damp in the middle jiao. Its warm acrid aroma awakens the Spleen, dispels Damp, regulates Qi and stops vomiting. It is widely prescribed for Spleen-Stomach Damp-Cold patterns and is one of the few herbs considered safe and useful in pregnancy for nausea and threatened miscarriage.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shā Rén |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 砂仁 |
| Latin name | Amomum villosum |
| English name | Amomum fruit |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach, Kidney |
| Category | Aromatic herbs that transform Damp |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Transforms Damp and stops vomiting
- Promotes the movement of Qi and warms the middle jiao
- Calms the fetus (pregnancy-safe use)
Indications
- Damp obstructing the middle jiao with abdominal distension, fullness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Cold and Qi stagnation of the Spleen and Stomach with cramping abdominal pain
- Morning sickness in pregnancy from Spleen-Stomach Damp
- Threatened miscarriage with restlessness and nausea
- Combined with cloying Yin tonics (e.g. Shu Di Huang) to prevent Damp accumulation
4. Key formulas containing Shā Rén
- Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang — Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp and Qi stagnation
- Shen Ling Bai Zhu San — Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp diarrhoea
- Xiang Sha Ping Wei San — Damp accumulation with Qi stagnation
5. Cautions
Add at the end of decoction to preserve the aromatic essential oils. Use cautiously in Yin deficiency with Heat. 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.
