Rou Dou Kou - Nutmeg Seeds

TCM Materia Medica

Rou Dou Kou TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "rou dou kou" which in english is "nutmeg seeds", is categorized within the "herbs that stabilize and bind" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the large intestine, spleen and stomach channels and exhibits acrid and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 1.5-9g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Binds the intestines, stops chronic/daybreak diarrhea due to cold from spleen and kidney deficiency.
  • Warms the middle burner, moves Qi - alleviates pain in abdomen, vomiting due to cold from deficiency of the spleen and stomach.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, rou dou kou is generally included in the following 2 formulas:

ViewBu Yang Huan Wu Tang Wan (Great Yang Restoration Pills)

Fatigue, weakness, with pale complexion due to chronic qi and blood deficiency. Hemiplegia, slurred speech or involuntary muscle control due to blockage of the channels and collaterals.

ViewJian Pi Wan (Strengthen Spleen Pills)

For stomach and spleen qi deficiency with dampness that has potentially generated mild interior-heat - diarrhea, abdominal pain, poor appetite, epigastric pain. May be used in early pregnancy for mo…

As noted above, rou dou kou is within the herbs that stabilize and bind functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... stabilizing and binding herbs most often have sour and astringent properties. they are useful for conditions involving excess discharges or structures slipping from proper positions (uterine prolapse, excessive sweat, diarrhea, excessive…)".

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