Shā Rén (砂仁) — Amomum Fruit
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Shā Rén (砂仁) — Amomum villosum fruit — is one of the most commonly used aromatic herbs to transform Damp in the middle jiao. Its warm acrid aroma awakens the Spleen, dispels Damp, regulates Qi and stops vomiting. It is widely prescribed for Spleen-Stomach Damp-Cold patterns and is one of the few herbs considered safe and useful in pregnancy for nausea and threatened miscarriage.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shā Rén |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 砂仁 |
| Latin name | Amomum villosum |
| English name | Amomum fruit |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach, Kidney |
| Category | Aromatic herbs that transform Damp |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Transforms Damp and stops vomiting
- Promotes the movement of Qi and warms the middle jiao
- Calms the fetus (pregnancy-safe use)
Indications
- Damp obstructing the middle jiao with abdominal distension, fullness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Cold and Qi stagnation of the Spleen and Stomach with cramping abdominal pain
- Morning sickness in pregnancy from Spleen-Stomach Damp
- Threatened miscarriage with restlessness and nausea
- Combined with cloying Yin tonics (e.g. Shu Di Huang) to prevent Damp accumulation
4. Key formulas containing Shā Rén
- Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang — Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp and Qi stagnation
- Shen Ling Bai Zhu San — Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp diarrhoea
- Xiang Sha Ping Wei San — Damp accumulation with Qi stagnation
5. Incompatibilities
Shā Rén (砂仁) Amomum Fruit is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. Cautions
Add at the end of decoction to preserve the aromatic essential oils. Use cautiously in Yin deficiency with Heat. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in Yin deficiency — aromatic herbs are warming and drying and aggravate fluid deficiency. Short courses preferred.
Modern drug interactions
Generally well tolerated. Tell your GP if you are on long-term medication.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
