Dao Dou刀豆
Canavaliae Semen · Sword Bean · Jack Bean
Overview
The large seed of the sword bean, sweet and warm, entering the Stomach and Kidney. Its narrow, reliable use is hiccup: it warms the middle burner and directs rebellious Stomach qi downward, and it is the herb of choice when hiccup and vomiting come from deficiency cold rather than from heat or food stagnation. Secondarily it warms the Kidney, which is why it appears in cold, deficient low back pain.
Nature & Flavor
Sweet · WarmChannels
Stomach · KidneyTypical Dosage
6–9 g in decoctionActions
3 core actions
- Warms the middle, directs qi downwardHiccup and belching from deficiency cold in the Stomach — persistent, weak, with a pale tongue and a preference for warm drinks.
- Stops hiccupThe classical use, often with Ding Xiang and Shi Di where the hiccup will not settle.
- Warms the Kidney, assists yangCold aching lower back from Kidney deficiency, as a supporting herb.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Dao Dou
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Hiccup and belching from deficiency cold in the Stomach
- Vomiting from cold in the middle burner
- Cold, aching lower back from Kidney deficiency
- Abdominal distension with cold
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Not for hiccup or vomiting caused by heat in the Stomach, and not where there is a smouldering Stomach fire. Raw sword beans are not safe food: like other Canavalia and Phaseolus beans they contain lectins and other heat-labile irritants, and eating them raw or lightly cooked causes nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain — culinary use requires thorough cooking, and medicinal use means properly prepared dispensary material. Hiccup that lasts more than a couple of days, or comes with weight loss or difficulty swallowing, needs medical investigation.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific classical prohibition and it is eaten as a vegetable when properly cooked; medicinal doses in pregnancy should still be left to the treating practitioner.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu《本草纲目》(classical source, public domain).
2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
3. 《中华人民共和国药典》(2020 edition).
4. 《中药学》(新世纪第二版), chapter on herbs that regulate the qi.
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.