山柰 / 沙姜 / 三奈 — Kaempferia galanga L.

Pinyin: Shānnài / Shājiāng · Malay: Cekur / Kencur · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)

Energetics

Warm (温)

Flavor

Pungent, aromatic, slightly peppery (辛、芳香)

Meridians

Stomach (胃), Spleen (脾)

Traditional Edict

Warms middle burner to stop pain, transforms food accumulation, and dispels cold-dampness. Indispensable in Lingnan poultry seasonings and Malay Jamu for colic, toothaches, and infant abdominal binding.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid prolonged boiling (destroys EPMC). Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with heat signs (crimson tongue) and active peptic ulcer bleeding.

Clinical Applications

Acute stomach colic, non-ulcer dyspepsia, post-traumatic musculoskeletal sprains, inflammatory toothache, hypertension, and fungal skin conditions.

Quality Markers

Ethyl p-Methoxycinnamate (EPMC) >= 2.00% (HPLC MHM / ChP standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Ethyl p-Methoxycinnamate (EPMC) exerts non-narcotic peripheral analgesia and central sedation via GABAergic modulation. 2. EPMC inhibits tyrosinase (skin-lightening) and blocks COX-2/iNOS cascades. 3. Ethyl cinnamate mediates vascular smooth muscle vasodilation.

Preparation & Dosage

Sliced dried rootstocks decocted 10-15 minutes: 3-6 g daily. Swallowed as powder: 1-2 g. Fresh crushed paste applied topically for sprains and toothaches.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Lingnan Gastro-Warming Powder with Pogostemon cablin and Saussurea costus for acute cold vomiting. 2. Nanyang Postpartum Abdominal Poultice with Zingiber zerumbet (Lempoyang) and Coconut Oil.

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