The Chinese herb Caokou is the seed of the perennial plant Caokou. It is harvested in autumn and dried for seasoning and consumption. Now let's learn about the benefits and medicinal uses of Caokou!
【Benefits and Effects of Caokou】
1. Aids in digestion and strengthens the spleen
Caokou contains natural aromatic substances and various amino acids. Consuming it can improve digestion and promote the secretion of digestive juices, effectively enhancing the body's digestive ability. It can reduce symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and spleen and stomach deficiency.
2. Increases appetite
When people have a poor appetite, they can eat dishes made with Caokou. The aromatic substances in Caokou can stimulate the appetite and help with digestion.
Additionally, Caokou has a gentle nature and excellent ability to dispel cold. When experiencing stomach cold and pain, a moderate amount of Caokou can quickly alleviate the symptoms.
【Identification of Caokou】
Caokou leaves are lanceolate, measuring 22-50 cm in length and 2-4 cm in width. The top is gradually pointed with a curled tail-like tip, and the base narrows gradually. Both sides of the leaf are hairless. The leaf may have no petiole or a pseudo-stalk due to the narrowing of the leaf base.
The capsule is oval, elliptical, or olive-shaped, measuring 1.5-3 cm in length and 1-2 cm in diameter. It is yellow-brown or reddish-brown, with slightly pointed protrusions at both ends. The skin is thick, without prickles, with raised longitudinal ridges. It cracks to reveal the seeds, which are brownish-gray or brownish-brown and irregularly shaped with a white false seed coat. The stem is of poor quality. It has a faint aroma and a slightly pungent taste.
The fruit is spherical, with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm. The surface is earthy yellow to light brown, with a near-cylindrical rare calyx at the top and a fruit stalk or fruit stalk scar at the base. The fruit skin is smooth and easily broken, containing seed clusters. It has a fragrant aroma and a cool and pungent taste.
【Medicinal Value of Caokou】
1. Treats stomach cold with abdominal pain, vomiting, pale lips and tongue, clear saliva, and loss of appetite (equivalent to certain types of acute gastritis and peptic ulcers)
Take 6g of Caokou, and combine it with 6g of Wu Zhu Yu, Yan Hu Suo, Gao Liang Jiang, and Xiang Fu. Decoct and consume. It has the effects of dispelling cold, relieving pain, and stopping vomiting.
2. Treats chronic diarrhea caused by deficiency and cold (chronic dysentery, chronic colitis)
Use stewed Caokou, combine it with stewed Mu Xiang and He Zi, and follow the prescription of Cao Dou Kou Tang.
Dosage: 1-2g, better to take in pill or powder form.
Prescription Example: Cao Dou Kou Tang: Stewed Caokou 3g, stewed Mu Xiang 3g, stewed He Zi 2.4g, Tian Qi 9g, Huo Tan Mu 9g. Decoct and consume.
