The traditional Chinese medicine herb "Caokou" can treat stomach cold, abdominal pain, vomiting, pale lips and tongue, clear saliva in the mouth, and loss of appetite. When it comes to the Chinese herb "Caokou", most people may not be very familiar with it. However, when it comes to the spice "Caokou", we suddenly realize that it can enhance the flavor of meat when used in stewing!
Image of Caokou
The medicinal part of Caokou is its mature fruit, which is a cluster of seeds in a spherical shape. The cluster is divided into three segments, each containing multiple seeds that are closely attached to each other. The cluster of seeds is slightly smooth, with white membranes separating them.
The fruit of Caokou is oval, elliptical, or olive-shaped, measuring 1.5 to 3cm in length and 1 to 2cm in diameter. It is yellow-brown or reddish-brown, with slightly pointed protrusions at both ends. The skin is thick without thorns, with prominent longitudinal ridges and brown cracks that reveal the seeds.
The seeds of Caokou are irregularly shaped and multi-faceted, measuring about 3 to 5mm in length and approximately 3mm in diameter. They are covered by a light brown membranous pseudo-seed coat, with a longitudinal groove as the seed ridge and a seed hilum at one end.
The seeds are hard and can be split along the seed ridge into two segments. The longitudinal section of the seed is oblique-heart-shaped, with the seed coat extending inward along the seed ridge, covering about half of the surface area. The endosperm is grayish-white. The fruit skin is smooth and easily breakable, containing the cluster of seeds. It has a fragrant aroma and a cool and spicy taste.
Caokou is harvested when the fruit is ripe in summer and autumn. It is dried until it reaches 80 to 90% dryness, then the fruit skin is peeled off and the cluster of seeds is extracted and dried.
Caokou can not only be used as a food ingredient, but also as a medicinal herb. When used as medicine, it is mainly decocted and taken orally. Sometimes it can be ground into fine powder and taken directly.
