Amomum krervanh, Bai Dou Kou 白豆蔻

Round Cardamon, Cluster Cardamon, Java Cardamon
Bai Dou Kou (TCM)
Khemama (Unani)

Amomum compactum
Roscoe, W., Monandrian plants of the order Scitamineae (1854)

Botanical name:

Amomum krervanh (A. kravanh), A. compactum

Parts used:

Fruit

Temperature & Taste:

Warm, dry. Pungent, Aromatic

Classification:

J. Aromatics that Resolve Dampness

Uses:

1. Moves Qi, Strengthens the Stomach, Clears Damp:
-Dampness blocking Stomach with Nausea, Poor appetite, fullness in the Chest and Epigastrium
-can be used for Damp with either Cold or Heat

2. Warms the Stomach, Stops Rising Qi:
-Belching and Vomiting with Spleen and Stomach weakness, with Cold, Damp and/or Food Stagnation

3. Clears Cold-Phlegm, Stops Cough:
-Qi and Phlegm obstruction in the Chest with Cough, Wheezing, stifling sensation in the Chest

Dose:

Decoction: 3–6 grams
Powder: 500mg–2 grams

Substitute:

The Chinese call Cardamon (Elettaria) “Lu Dou Kou” (Green Dou Kou) while Amomum krervanh is called “Bai Dou Kou” (White Dou Kou). They are similar in effect.

Main Combinations:

1. Stomach Damp:
i. with Poor appetite and Digestion and fullness in the Chest and Epigastrium, Amomum Bai Dou Kou with Amomum Sha Ren
ii. with fullness, discomfort in the chest and abdomen, nausea, diarrhea with Stomach weakness and Damp, Amomum Bai Dou Kou with Citrus Chen Pi.
2. Heat and Damp affecting the Stomach, Amomum Bai Dou Kou with Scutellaria Huang Qin
3. Nausea and Vomiting:
i. Amomum Bai Dou Kou with Clove
ii. Amomum Bai Dou Kou with fresh Ginger
iii. with Cold-Damp or Food Stagnation, Morning Sickness, Amomum Bai Dou Kou with Agastache Huo Xiang and Pinellia Ban Xia.
iv. vomiting of Milk in babies, Amomum Bai Dou Kou with Amomum Sha Ren and Licorice as a powder

Cautions:

Not used in Yin or Blood deficiency.