Sharen (Amomum Fruit)
Often known by its aliases such as Slenderleaf Amomum Fruit, Fructus Amomi, or simply Amomum Seed, Sharen is a powerhouse herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Aliases: Slenderleaf Amomum Fruit, Fructus Amomi, Amomum Seed.
Flavor and Nature: Pungent flavor, Warm nature.
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Kidney channels.
Medicinal Part: The dried, mature fruit of the plant.
How to Use Sharen (Dosage and Preparation)
Usage: Typically 3-6 grams, added towards the end of the decoction process. This method, known as "Hòuxià" in TCM, helps preserve its aromatic volatile oils, maximizing its therapeutic benefits.
Preparation: Make sure to remove any impurities. It's best to crush the dried fruit before use to enhance the extraction of its active compounds.
The Incredible Benefits of Sharen
Key Functions: Sharen is renowned for its ability to transform dampness and invigorate the stomach, warm the Spleen to stop diarrhea, and regulate vital energy (Qi) to calm the fetus.
Main Indications: This herb is a go-to for conditions like obstruction by damp-turbidity in the middle burner, which can manifest as a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen and a lack of appetite. It’s also frequently used for Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold, which often presents as vomiting and diarrhea. For expectant mothers, Sharen is traditionally used to alleviate morning sickness (nausea and vomiting during pregnancy) and address restless fetus, a term for threatened miscarriage. Its traditional use in addressing various gastrointestinal issues is well-documented (PMID: 29888806).
Studies have also indicated potential gastroprotective effects of *Amomum villosum*, offering relief for stomach discomfort (PMID: 29158580).
While Sharen is generally considered safe, especially in traditional formulas, its use during pregnancy or for any chronic condition should always be under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. Its role in calming the fetus is often seen in traditional Chinese herbal formulas aimed at supporting pregnancy (PMID: 26034440).
Classic Formulas Featuring Sharen
1. From Jing Yue Quan Shu: Sharen is commonly combined with herbs like *Muxiang* (Costus Root) and *Zhishi* (Immature Bitter Orange) to address vital energy (Qi) stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach, as seen in formulas like Xiang Sha Zhi Zhu Wan.
2. From He Ji Ju Fang: It's a key ingredient alongside Spleen-invigorating and Qi-tonifying herbs such as *Dangshen* (Cododopsis Root), *Baizhu* (Atractylodes Rhizome), and *Fuling* (Poria). This combination is perfect for conditions involving Spleen Qi deficiency with phlegm and vital energy (Qi) stagnation, exemplified by Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang.
3. From Gu Jin Yi Tong: When paired with powerful herbs like *Renshen* (Ginseng), *Baizhu* (Atractylodes Rhizome), and *Shudihuang* (Prepared Rehmannia), Sharen works to boost vital energy, nourish blood circulation, and calm the fetus. This combination is especially useful for individuals experiencing vital energy and blood deficiency leading to a restless fetus, such as in the formula Taishan Panshi San.
What the Classics Say About Sharen
1. Zhen Zhu Nang: "It treats Spleen and Stomach vital energy (Qi) stagnation that fails to disperse."
2. Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao: "Treats all kinds of vital energy (Qi) disorders, cholera with muscle cramps, and heart and abdominal pain."
3. Ben Cao Jing Shu: "Its flavor is pungent, nature warm, and it's aromatic. The aroma enters the Spleen, and its pungency can warm the Kidneys, thus making it an essential herb for opening the Spleen and Stomach, and a primary substance for harmonizing the Middle Qi. If there's accompanying Kidney deficiency where vital energy doesn't return to its origin, this herb acts as a guide. However, if cough is primarily due to Lung heat, this herb should not be used."
4. Ben Cao Hui Yan: "It is a herb that warms the middle and harmonizes vital energy. If the vital energy in the Upper Burner is obstructed and cannot descend, the vital energy in the Lower Burner is suppressed and cannot ascend, or the vital energy in the Middle Burner is stagnant and cannot flow freely, using Sharen is most effective. Why do ancient formulas often use it to calm the fetus? Because vital energy stagnation causes pain, and rebellious vital energy can lead to a restless fetus. This herb is pungent and dispersing, warm but not fierce, beneficial but not draining, harmonizing without contention. It unblocks the Triple Burner, warms the Six Fu-organs, warms the Lungs, awakens the Spleen, nourishes the Stomach, strengthens the Kidneys, and resolves discordant vital energy in the Liver and Gallbladder. Therefore, it is excellent for calming the fetus."
5. Yu Qiu Yao Jie: "It harmonizes the middle and regulates vital energy, moves stagnation and resolves accumulation, lowers Stomach Yin and aids digestion, reaches Spleen Yin and transforms food. It's excellent for both vomiting and diarrhea, and beneficial for cough and phlegm with dampness. It effectively treats esophageal obstruction, can calm the fetus during pregnancy, harmonizes sour and putrid conditions in the Upper Burner, and benefits the turbid vital energy in the Lower. The clarity rising and turbidity descending entirely relies on the Middle Qi. If Middle Qi is not robust, the pivotal mechanism doesn't turn, leading to Spleen sinking and Stomach Qi rebellion."
Your 3-Second Self-Check + 30-Second Self-Rescue
If you're feeling sluggish, bloated after meals, or experiencing occasional loose stools, then your Spleen and Stomach might need a little love. Immediately try incorporating warming, easy-to-digest foods into your diet and avoid cold, raw items.
If you're frequently dealing with a feeling of heaviness or dampness, and a generally low appetite, then your body might be holding onto excess dampness. Immediately try sipping on warm ginger tea throughout the day to help clear internal dampness.
References
Research suggests *Amomum villosum* may influence gastrointestinal motility, contributing to its traditional use in digestion. PMID: 29888806
Studies have indicated potential gastroprotective effects of *Amomum villosum*, offering relief for stomach issues. PMID: 29158580
The traditional role of Chinese herbal medicine, including herbs like Sharen, in supporting pregnancy and addressing threatened miscarriage is recognized. PMID: 26034440
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
