Round Cardamom Capsule … Classic Formulas
Dou Kou · Fructus Amomi Rotundus
Primary Actions
- Transforms dampness and awakens the Spleen ... Dou Kou is used for heavy epigastric fullness, poor appetite, and middle-burner stagnation with a greasy obstructive feel.
- Moves Qi and relieves fullness ... the aromatic capsules are chosen when the chest or upper abdomen feels blocked, swollen, or turbid with dampness.
- Warms the Stomach and stops vomiting ... nausea, retching, and cold-damp digestive upset are classic indications.
- Treats early damp-warmth with damp predominance ... it is used when heaviness, fullness, and appetite loss outweigh strong fever signs.
Classic Formulas
- San Ren Tang ... a classic damp-warmth formula that uses aromatic Dou Kou to open the middle and transform dampness.
- Digestive damp-obstruction combinations with Huo Xiang, Chen Pi, or Sha Ren ... used when nausea, poor appetite, and fullness dominate.
- Cold-damp middle-burner formulas with Hou Po or Gan Jiang ... used when the Stomach is heavy, cool, and vomiting-prone.
Classical Text References
- Traditional herbology consistently treats Dou Kou as a warm aromatic middle-burner herb whose effect depends on preserving volatile oils.
- The medicated part is the aromatic capsule lot itself, which is why crushing and late addition in decoction are common handling instructions.