Sharp-leaf galangal fruit (yi zhi ren)

Alpinia oxyphylla

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidney yang and holds in urine and semen; warms the spleen in diarrhoea and drooling.

Safety notes

Not with vomiting, diarrhoea or frequent urination from heat. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Fruit, crushed. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics'. The name means 'seed that increases intelligence'. The fruit warms the spleen and kidneys and is used for frequent urination, bedwetting and excessive drooling. It grows mainly on Hainan.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: pungent, warm
Meridians: kidney, spleen

Attributed effects

For bedwetting, night-time urination, involuntary loss of urine and semen, stomach pain from cold, chronic diarrhoea and excessive salivation.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With Chinese yam and lindera for night-time urination
With dang shen, bai zhu and dried ginger for a cold abdomen

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from Asia →