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    Aromatic Dampness-Transforming, Middle-Warming & Gastric Cytoprotective (芳香化湿 / 温中止痛健脾理气平喘药)

    窄叶山姜 / 兰屿山姜 / 假砂仁 / 细叶山姜 — Alpinia mutica Roxb.

    Pinyin: Zhǎiyè Shānjiāng / Lányǔ Shānjiāng · Malay: Pelaga Hutan / Lengkuas Hutan / Tepus Telo · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (微温 / 温)

    Flavor

    Pungent, slightly bitter, intensely aromatic, camphoraceous (辛、微苦、大香)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺)

    Traditional Edict

    Jungle Cardamom. Orange-red capsules packed with pungent angular seeds. Warms middle burner, transforms dampness, awakens Spleen, stops vomiting and diarrhea, dispels stomach cold gas.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Do not boil seeds > 15 min in open pots to avoid volatilizing monoterpenes. Contraindicated in severe Yin deficiency with dry throat. Caution in pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Peptic/duodenal ulcers, functional dyspeptic bloating, non-ulcer GI spasms, GERD acid reflux, acute cold diarrhea, and post-infectious bronchial cough.

    Quality Markers

    Coronarin D & E (Labdane Diterpenes) >= 0.50% & 1,8-Cineole >= 20.0% (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Coronarin D and labdanes downregulate mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inhibit H+/K+-ATPase, stimulating protective PGE2 and gastric mucus. 2. 5,6-Dehydrokawain downregulates NF-kB and COX-2. 3. 1,8-Cineole relaxes intestinal smooth muscle.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried seeds (crushed before boiling) decocted 15 min (add late / Hou Xia): 3-6 g daily. Sliced dried rhizome in decoction: 6-12 g. Standardized extract: 150-300 mg twice daily.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Cold-Damp Gastro-Harmony Synergy with Pogostemon cablin and Zingiber zerumbet. 2. Rainforest Peptic Ulcer Healing Decoction with Curcuma mangga.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only