Sha Ren in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sha Ren (Amomum villosum), known in Chinese as 砂仁 is the fruit of Amomum villosum (Zingiberaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as warm in nature and pungent in flavor.

Transforms Dampness, promotes Qi circulation, warms the Spleen, stops diarrhea, calms the fetus.[1]

Botanical description: Amomum villosum is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Zingiberaceae family, growing 1.5–3 m tall in tropical and subtropical regions. The medicinal part is the dried ripe fruit, harvested in summer and autumn when the fruit turns from green to purplish-red. The dried fruit capsules contain numerous small, dark-brown, angular seeds with a strong aromatic, camphoraceous fragrance.

Traditional functions: Transforms Dampness, promotes Qi circulation, warms the Spleen, stops diarrhea, calms the fetus.[1]

Traditional uses: Used for Dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao: abdominal distension, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Often used in pregnancy for morning sickness.