https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/A4PeQB2Vq1CW8xtc-5KQOA
Everyone is welcome to share their experiences with the medicinal herbs in the replies, making it easier for others to search and learn.
157. Cardamom
When crushed, its aroma is very similar to that of Amomum villosum (砂仁, Sha Ren), and the brewed water tastes quite alike as well—cool with a hint of bitterness, without the sourness of Sha Ren. For those who love mint candies, this should be a great summer choice.
The fruit residue after brewing can be directly chewed and swallowed. In this regard, it has a much better texture than Sha Ren’s “passion fruit seeds” feel; those who understand will know.
Its “circulating” effect is noticeably weaker than Sha Ren’s, but it is better and longer-lasting in transforming damp turbidity in the middle Jiao, and its appetite-stimulating ability is stronger than Sha Ren’s.
158. Grass Cardamom (草豆蔻, Cao Dou Kou)
Its smell resembles that of Dayao Guest (also known as Dayao Original/Dayao Old Popsicle flavor) soda—both in scent and taste.
Checked the ingredient list and found it quite puzzling: water, white sugar, orange juice, honey, food additives (carbon dioxide, DL-malic acid, citric acid, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, aspartame (contains phenylalanine), potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, caramel color, lemon yellow, cochineal), edible flavoring.
Grass Cardamom is similar to Sha Ren in that its seeds cannot be crushed, so the experience of tasting the medicine is somewhat less satisfying.
Efficacy: It has a slightly sweet and warm nature, can energize the digestive system, “Yangming descends, all meridians unobstructed” (just a listen; many cases have normal Yangming but other meridians are blocked), and also offers some tonic effects. It is economical and practical.
159. Cao Guo (草果)
These three varieties are quite interesting: Cardamom takes the cooling aspect of Sha Ren, while Cao Guo takes the sourness.
Cao Guo adds a bit of bitterness on top of the sourness, and slightly irritates the throat when swallowed.
Efficacy: It moves liver qi, unblocks lung qi, and has a mild digestive aid effect. However, regarding phlegm removal, while it clears phlegm, it also reduces the throat’s fluids—this is counterproductive. Therefore, if the aim is to soothe the throat and clear phlegm, using Cao Guo is not recommended.