Efficacy and function of white cardamom kernel: an aromatic medicine that reduces dampness, promotes qi, warms and stops vomiting

White Kouen is a commonly used aromatic dampness-removing medicine in traditional Chinese medicine. It mainly enters the spleen and stomach meridian and hasRemoving dampness and promoting qi, warming and stopping vomiting, appetizing and digestionThe three core functions are especially suitable for diseases such as dampness and mid-burn, epigastric distension, nausea and vomiting. This article will start from its traditional application, modern research and incompatibility, and systematically analyze its mechanism of action and practical value in five paragraphs to help readers scientifically understand this excellent product that has the same origin as medicine and food.

1. Removing dampness and promoting qi: the "master of resolving dampness in the spleen and stomach"

The aromatic volatile oils of white cardamom kernels (such as cineole, α-pinene) canStimulate secretion of digestive juices, promote gastrointestinal motility, and effectively relieve abdominal distension and loss of appetite caused by dampness and turbidity blockage. The traditional Chinese medicine classic "Materia Medica Seeking Truth" records that it "specializes in the lungs and stomach, has a pungent and warm aroma, and can wake up the spleen and stimulate the appetite." It is often combined with Amomum villosum and Magnolia officinalis to enhance the curative effect. Modern research has also found that its volatile oil has a two-way regulatory effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscle, which can not only relieve spasmodic pain, but also improve functional indigestion.

2. Warmth stops vomiting: the natural nemesis of cold-damp vomiting

TargetStomach cold and dampnessFor nausea and vomiting caused by nausea and vomiting (such as motion sickness and pregnancy reactions), white corn kernels can warm and neutralize the stomach, reduce qi and stop vomiting. Its anti-vomiting mechanism is related to the inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors, and it is often used clinically with ginger and pinellia. It should be noted that people with yin deficiency and excessive fire or excessive heat and vomiting should use it with caution to avoid aggravating heat symptoms. "Treatise on Medical Properties" particularly emphasizes that it "treats abdominal pain due to cold air, and relieves vomiting and regurgitation." Li Shizhen, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, also recommended it in "Compendium of Materia Medica" for "spitting due to cold stomach."

3. Appetizer, digestion and incompatibility

White Kerneldigestive effectIt is related to promoting bile secretion and is suitable for the symptoms of food accumulation such as fullness after meals and belching. It is often used together with hawthorn and Shenqu. However, two taboos should be noted: first, it should not be boiled for too long (the activity of the volatile oil is retained later); second, long-term use in large quantities may consume qi and damage yin. Modern pharmacological research shows that its active ingredients also have antibacterial (such as inhibiting Helicobacter pylori), anti-inflammatory and other auxiliary effects, but further clinical verification is needed.

Summary: Aromatic medicinal materials used in syndrome differentiation

As a traditional medicinal and food material, white coriander kernelsRemoving dampness, stopping vomiting, and digesting foodThe efficacy has been verified through ancient and modern times, and it is especially suitable for people with cold and damp constitutions. Syndrome differentiation and compatibility are required when using it to avoid using it with heat-clearing drugs to weaken the efficacy of the drug. You can eat a small amount of it daily (such as soup and porridge), but the therapeutic dosage should be as directed by your doctor. Modern research is gradually revealing the action targets of its active ingredients, providing new directions for the development of gastrointestinal regulating drugs.

Quote source:
1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition (Part 1)
2. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Ming Dynasty)
3. Huang Gongxiu's "Materia Medica Seeking Truth" (Qing Dynasty)
4. Modern research data refers to relevant papers in the journal "Chinese Herbal Medicine" in 2021