Yì Zhì Rén (益智仁) — Black cardamom fruit / Sharp-leaf galangal fruit

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Yì Zhì Rén (益智仁) — Alpinia oxyphylla — is known in English as Black cardamom fruit / Sharp-leaf galangal fruit. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stabilise and bind in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Yì Zhì Rén as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Warms the Kidney and holds essence — for urinary frequency, incontinence and spermatorrhoea from Kidney Yang deficiency
2. Warms the Spleen and stops diarrhoea — for cold, watery diarrhoea
3. Stops excessive salivation from Spleen deficiency-Cold

Indications

1. Urinary frequency, nocturia and incontinence from Kidney Yang deficiency
2. Paediatric bedwetting (enuresis)
3. Premature ejaculation and spermatorrhoea from Kidney Qi not holding
4. Chronic cold diarrhoea from Spleen deficiency-Cold
5. Excessive salivation and drooling from Spleen deficiency

4. Key formulas containing Yì Zhì Rén

Yì Zhì Rén appears in the following key formulas:

• Suo Quan Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Alpinia oxyphylla (Yi Zhi Ren) is one of the most important herbs for urinary disorders from Kidney deficiency in TCM. Key bioactive constituents include diarylheptanoids (yakuchinone A and B), flavonoids, volatile oils and nootkatone. Research confirms significant neuroprotective effects (Yi Zhi Ren extracts protect against amyloid-beta toxicity — relevant to Alzheimer's disease), anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant properties, cognitive-enhancing effects and anti-ageing properties. Yakuchinones have documented inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The classical Suo Quan Wan (Reduce the Stream Pill) — Yi Zhi Ren, Wu Yao, Shan Yao — is one of the most important formulas for urinary frequency and incontinence from Kidney deficiency.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Yin deficiency with Heat and Damp-Heat patterns — the warm, drying nature will aggravate. Avoid in patients with constipation from Yin deficiency.

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 Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Yì Zhì Rén as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Urinary tract infections, Male infertility. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.