Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Amomum, a genus that includes several species such as Amomum villosum and Amomum subulatum (black cardamom), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, Amomum fruits (commonly referred to as Sha Ren) are used to "regulate qi," "warm the middle," and "alleviate pain," which includes relieving symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, and colic in adults. The traditional rationale is based on the concept of dispelling dampness and promoting the movement of digestive energy, which is believed to relieve stagnation causing colic-like symptoms.

There is, however, limited scientific validation for these uses. While some studies have identified that Amomum species contain essential oils and volatile compounds with potential antispasmodic and carminative properties, robust clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for adult colic are lacking. Existing evidence is primarily anecdotal or based on traditional formulations rather than controlled, peer-reviewed studies. Thus, the support for using Amomum in adult colic is largely traditional, with a moderate level of evidence based on its longstanding use in herbal medicine rather than scientific validation.

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