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    Aromatic Dampness-Transforming, Spleen-Warming & Fetal-Calming Sovereign (芳香化湿 / 温中行气理气安胎止呕止泻药)

    土砂仁 / 卵唇豆蔻 / 野砂仁 / 假砂仁 — Amomum uliginosum J.Koenig (syn. Meistera uliginosa)

    Pinyin: Tǔ Shārén / Luǎnchún Dòukòu · Malay: Pelaga Gajah / Tepus Biji / Puah Buas · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (微温 / 温)

    Flavor

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

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Kidney (肾)

    Traditional Edict

    Elephant Cardamom. Basal spiny purplish capsules packed with bornyl acetate seeds. Warms Spleen, transforms dampness, stops vomiting, stabilizes restless fetal movement in pregnancy (An Tai), and halts cold diarrhea.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Never boil >15 min in open pots (destroys volatile bornyl acetate). Contraindicated in severe Yin deficiency blazing fire without damp-cold signs. Safe in pregnancy at carminative doses (3-6 g).

    Clinical Applications

    • Pregnancy hyperemesis morning sickness, functional dyspeptic distension, non-ulcer gastric hypermotility, IBS-D, acute cold-damp gastroenteritis, and peptic ulcers.

    Quality Markers

    Bornyl Acetate (乙酸龙脑酯) >= 0.80%, Camphor, Borneol & a-Pinene (GC-MS/HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Bornyl acetate inhibits parietal cell H+/K+-ATPase, decreasing acid output while stimulating mucosal PGE2 and nitric oxide to heal ulcers. 2. Terpenoids block intestinal calcium channels, stopping colic. 3. Modulates 5-HT3 to arrest pregnancy nausea.

    Preparation & Dosage

    CRITICAL PAOZHI: CRUSH SEEDS BEFORE BREWING & ADD LATE (Hou Xia / 后下 - boil <= 10-15 min): 3-6 g daily. Maternal Morning Sickness Tisane with fresh ginger and perilla leaf. Standardized extract: 150-300 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Maternal Anti-Emetic & Fetal-Calming Synergy (Xiang Sha An Tai Yin) with Perilla stem and Atractylodes. 2. Nanyang Cold-Damp Dysentery Formula with Pogostemon cablin.

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