Katsumada Galangal Seed Whole (Alpinia Katsumadai)

Katsumada Galangal Seed Whole (Alpinia katsumadai) is the dried, aromatic seed of a prized ginger-family plant long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its warming, damp-transforming, and digestive-regulating properties. Known in TCM as Cao Dou Kou, this herb is valued for its ability to awaken the Spleen, dry dampness, move qi, and stop vomiting, making it a key ingredient in formulas addressing cold-damp stagnation, bloating, nausea, and poor appetite. It is considered aromatic, pungent, and warm, entering the Spleen and Stomach channels to revive digestive fire and disperse turbid dampness from the middle burner.

In classical use, Katsumada Galangal Seed is especially effective when digestive discomfort is accompanied by sensations of heaviness, fullness, or damp obstruction. It is traditionally used in cases of cold-damp diarrhea, nausea, retching, epigastric distension, and sluggish digestion, and is often paired with herbs like cardamom, amomum, or magnolia bark to harmonize the stomach and promote smooth qi flow. Its warming but focused action makes it gentler than hot peppers while still restoring vitality to a cold, damp digestive system.

Modern phytochemical studies show that Alpinia katsumadai contains essential oils, flavonoids, and diarylheptanoids with antimicrobial, antiemetic, and digestive-enhancing effects, confirming its long-standing use for gastrointestinal balance. These compounds contribute to its ability to reduce inflammation, regulate motility, and dispel cold and dampness from the digestive tract.

Each batch of Katsumada Galangal Seed Whole (Alpinia katsumadai) is carefully harvested and dried to preserve its sharp aroma, warm energy, and high volatile-oil content. When decocted or lightly crushed before brewing, it produces a fragrant, warming infusion traditionally used to restore appetite, relieve bloating, and support overall digestive strength.