Bai Dou Kou – Amomum – Fructus Amomi Rotundus

Bai Dou Kou

English Name: amomum, round cardamon

Literal Translation: “white cardamon”

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Amomi Rotundus

Medica Category: Aromatic Damp-Dissolving Herbs

Properties: Bai Dou Kou enters the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach channels; it is acrid in nature and warm and aromatic in temperature.

What is Bai Dou Kou?:

The Chinese Herb Bai Dou Kou is the dried seed pods of round cardamon ground into powder and added to decoctions of other herbs toward the end of the decocting process (so as to preserve the aromatic oils responsible for its effectiveness).  The round cardamon plant itself (Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gannep.; Amomum compactum Soland ex Maton) is an aromatic, robust, perennial forest plant producing leafy stems up to 6 ft. tall from a spreading, branched rhizome.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Bai Dou Kou:

Bai Dou Kou promotes the movement of qi, aromatically transforms (dissolves) dampness, and warms and strengthens the Stomach to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by cold and the accumulation of dampness (in the stomach). It is safe to use for pregnant women and infants with this condition.