Amomum

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Amomum is a genus of plants in the ginger family, with several species (including Amomum villosum, A. tsao-ko, and A. subulatum) used as culinary spices (Chinese cardamom, black cardamom) and in traditional medicine for digestive complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Digestive / carminative support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use; modern clinical evidence is limited.

How it works

Amomum fruits and seeds contain volatile oils rich in 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene, and various terpenes, along with flavonoids and polyphenols. These constituents provide aromatic and carminative effects, helping with gas, bloating and digestion. Traditional Chinese medicine uses amomum (sha ren) to warm the spleen, alleviate nausea, and stop diarrhea. Preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and gastroprotective effects.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional Chinese medicine uses 3-6 g of dried fruit per day in decoction.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken before or with meals to aid digestion.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Whole or ground amomum spice

Common in South Asian and Chinese cooking.

Standard culinary use.

Amomum extract

Used in traditional Chinese formulas.

Variable.

Safety

Generally well tolerated as a spice or in traditional doses. High intake may cause heartburn or stomach upset.

Who should be cautious

Avoid concentrated extracts in pregnancy without guidance. Use cautiously with anticoagulants at high doses.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported in food amounts.

Food sources

Black cardamom (A. subulatum)

Amount
1 pod
%DV
—

Chinese cardamom (A. villosum, sha ren)

Amount
3 g
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is amomum the same as green cardamom?⌄

No. Green cardamom is Elettaria cardamomum; amomum species are different but related.

Does it help digestion?⌄

Traditional use and animal studies suggest carminative effects; rigorous human evidence is limited.

References

Amomum on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Amomum on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Amomum (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.