Individual Herbs Notebook

Can Dou

Pharmaceutical: Semen Viciae fabae
Taxonomy: Vicia faba

Other names: Broad Bean / Fava Bean

Category: Herbs that Drain Dampness



Properties: Sweet, neutral

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen and Stomach


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Strengthen the Spleen and promotes urination, resolves Toxicity and dissipates swelling
    Oedema, sores, difficulty swallowing

Suggested Daily Dosage: 30-60g in decoction.


Cautions: Beans generally have a high FODMAP score and broad beans in particular have no low FODMAP threshold (George Eats, April 2024) and so should be avoided in cases of abdominal distension due to Spleen Dampness.


Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
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