Single Herb Glossary
Sha Ren 砂仁
| Pharmaceutical name | Amomi Fructus |
| Category | Aromatic that Transform Dampness |
| Key Properties | Promote Qi flow Warms Middle Jiao Transforms dampness Improves appetite Calms fetus |
| Properties | Acrid Warm Aromatic |
| Tropism | SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Promotes movement of Qi, transforms damp, strengthens SP: symptoms of Qi stagnation affecting SP/ST or obstruction by dampness 2) Warms middle, stops diarrhea: due to cold 3) Calms fetus: morning sickness or restless fetus 4) Can be used in perscription with tonifying (or cloying) herbs to prevent them from causing stagnation |
| Dosages | 3-6g crush before decocting, add last 10min |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Yin Def Heat |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils (α-thujene, alloocimene, ocimene, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, β-bergamontene, β-farnesene, humulene, santalol, palmitic acid), saponins, zinc, copper, iron |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: decoction at low concentration has stimulating effect on intestines of rats and rabbits; on the other hand, decoction at high concentration has inhibiting effect; clinically, commonly used to relieve bloating, spasms, and pain • Antiplatelet: oral administration at 0.6 to 1.2 g/kg in rabbits associated with mild anti platelet effect 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after ingestion |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: should be used with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications; may potentiate the effect of drugs such as warfarin |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Dan Shen Yin (Salvia Drink) 丹參飲 (丹参饮) Jia Wei Wu Yao Tang (Augmented Lindera Decoction) 加味烏藥湯 Qi Ge San (Open up the Diaphragm Powder) (deleted chu tou kang) 啟膈散 （減杵頭糠） Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginsing, poria and white atractylodes powder) 蔘苓白朮散 Tai shan pan shi san (Taishan bedrock powder) 泰山盤石散 (泰山盘石散) Ge Hua Jie Cheng San (Kudzu Flower Powder to Relieve Hangovers) 葛花解酲散 Jian Pi Wan (Strenghten the Spleen Pill) 健脾丸 Liu He Tang (Harmonize the Six Decoction) 六和湯 Yi Guan Jian (Linking decoction) 一貫煎 Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill) 中滿分消丸 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.