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Cao Guo草果

Tsaoko Fructus · Tsaoko Fruit · Black Cardamom

Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness 化湿药《饮膳正要》

Overview

The ripe fruit of Amomum tsao-ko, the strongest and coarsest of the aromatic damp-transformers: acrid and warm, entering the Spleen and Stomach channels, it drives heavy cold-damp turbidity out of the middle burner. It carries a second, more specific reputation for dispersing the turbid damp behind malarial-type alternating chills and fever, as in Da Yuan Yin — and it is a familiar braising spice, which says something about its warming, grease-cutting character.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid · Warm

Channels

Spleen · Stomach

Typical Dosage

3–6 g in decoction
草果Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Dries damp, warms the middleHeavy cold-damp turbidity with epigastric fullness, cold pain, vomiting and a thick greasy white coating.
  • Disperses turbidity in malarial disordersAlternating chills and fever with a thick greasy tongue coating, as in Da Yuan Yin — a traditional supportive use, never a replacement for proper antimalarial diagnosis and treatment.
  • Disperses food stagnation from rich foodFullness and nausea after heavy, greasy meals; the basis of its long use as a braising spice.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Cao Guo

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Cold-damp fullness and cold epigastric pain with vomiting
    - Alternating chills and fever with a thick greasy tongue coating
    - Heaviness and fullness after rich, greasy food

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

DyspepsiaBloatingNauseaMalaria (supportive care)

Contraindications

Cautions

The most drying and warming of this group where fluids are concerned. Avoid it in yin deficiency with heat, in blood deficiency, and where there is thirst with a dry red tongue. Malarial illness needs proper medical diagnosis and treatment; this herb is a traditional adjunct only.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy — practitioner supervision required.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. 《中华人民共和国药典》(Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. Chen & Chen. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.