Dao Dou – Jack Bean – Semen Canavaliae

Dao Dou

English Name: canavalia, sword bean

Literal Translation: “knife bean”

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Canavaliae

Medica Category: Qi-Regulating Herbs

Properties: Dao Dou enters the Stomach and Kidney channels; it is sweet in nature and warm in temperature.

What is Dao Dou?:

The Chinese Herb Dao Dou is the dried seeds/beans of a domesticated plant Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.), commonly known as the sword bean. It is thought to be native to East Asia but is now widely cultivated throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world for use as food (the fruits as well as the beans).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Dao Dou:

Dao Dou has a mild effect to descend rebellious Stomach qi to relieve hiccups, nausea, and vomiting that have deficiency and cold of the Stomach at their root. Other symptoms may include respiratory difficulties, poor appetite, pale complexion, fatigue, and cold extremities.