Cǎo Dòu Kòu (草豆蔻), known in English as Katsumada galangal seed (Alpinia katsumadai (seed)), is a warm, acrid Chinese herb from the Aromatic, transform damp category. It enters the Spleen and Stomach channels. Its main action: dries Damp, moves qi.
| Pinyin | Cǎo Dòu Kòu (Cao Dou Kou) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 草豆蔻 |
| English | Katsumada galangal seed |
| Botanical name | Alpinia katsumadai (seed) |
| Category | Aromatic, transform damp |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels | Spleen, Stomach |
| Dosage | 3–6g |
| Cautions | Yin and Blood deficiency; no Cold-Damp |
Actions
- Dries Damp, moves qi
- Warms Middle Jiao, stops vomiting
Indications
- Cold-Damp obstructing Middle Jiao with cold pain and distension in the abdomen
- Belching and vomiting
- Poor appetite
How to remember Cǎo Dòu Kòu
Aromatic, transform damp herbs are mostly warm or hot and acrid, and most enter the Stomach and Spleen channels.
- You can work these out
- Warm, Acrid: like most Aromatic, transform damp herbs
- Spleen and Stomach channels: from its action “Warms Middle Jiao”
Other Aromatic, transform damp herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Cǎo Dòu Kòu?
Cǎo Dòu Kòu is warm and acrid.
Which channels does Cǎo Dòu Kòu enter?
Cǎo Dòu Kòu enters the Spleen and Stomach channels.
What are the actions of Cǎo Dòu Kòu?
Dries Damp, moves qi; Warms Middle Jiao, stops vomiting.
What is Cǎo Dòu Kòu used for?
Cold-Damp obstructing Middle Jiao with cold pain and distension in the abdomen; belching and vomiting; poor appetite.
Practise Cǎo Dòu Kòu and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.