Individual Herbs Notebook

Sha Ren

Pharmaceutical: Fructus villosi
Taxonomy: Amomum villosum syn. Wurfbainia villosa

Other names: Villous Cardamom

Category: Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness



Properties: Pungent, warm

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Stomach and Kidney
Divergent Channels: Stomach, Spleen


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Promotes the movement of Qi, aromatically transforms Dampness, strengthens the Spleen and stops vomiting
    Spleen/Stomach Qi Stagnation or Dampness Distressing the Spleen/ Stomach with distention and pain, in the epigastrium and abdomen, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea
  2. Warms the Middle and stops diarrhoea
    Diarrhoea from Spleen Cold
  3. Calms the fetus and prevents miscarriage
    Restless fetus or morning sickness
  4. Prevents Stagnation from tonic herbs
    Middle Jiao Stagnation due to herbal tonification

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-6g in decoction, added near end.


Appears in 29 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)