Synopsis

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

Amomum, a genus within the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), has several species (such as Amomum villosum and Amomum subulatum, commonly known as cardamom) that have been traditionally used in various systems of medicine, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these traditions, Amomum seeds and fruits are often employed to alleviate gastrointestinal disturbances including colic, flatulence, indigestion, and abdominal pain in adults. In TCM, Amomum is classified as an aromatic herb used to transform dampness and promote the movement of Qi in the digestive tract, which conceptually aligns with its use for colic—characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort. The traditional rationale is supported by the herb’s aromatic, carminative, and antispasmodic properties, believed to soothe the digestive system and relieve spasms or pain. While there is some phytochemical evidence that essential oils from Amomum species possess mild antispasmodic and carminative effects in vitro or in animal models, high-quality clinical trials in adults with colic are lacking. Therefore, the primary justification for its use is traditional, with only modest pharmacological support. No major guidelines or systematic reviews endorse Amomum specifically for adult colic based on contemporary scientific evidence. Thus, its use for adult colic remains rooted in ethnomedical practice rather than validated by rigorous clinical research.

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