Semen Alpiniae
Katsumadai
Source
The seed masses of Alpinia Katsumadai Hayata, family Zingiberaceae.
Characteristics
Seed
masses spherical, 1.5-3.0 cm in diameter, dividing into three segments
separated by diaphragms, each of which contains numerous seeds adhesing
together. Single seed ovate-multisided, 3-5 mm long, covered with light
brown membranous aril, with a longitudinal grooved raphe on one side,
and a hilum at one end. Aromatic in odour. Acrid in taste, warm in nature,
and attributive to spleen and stomach channels.
Indication
Deprive dampness and expel cold, strengthen stomach and stop 
vomiting:
For cold-dampness or deficiency-cold of spleen and stomach with fullness
and distending pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite,
usually used with Fructus Amomi, Rhizoma Alptriiae Officinarum, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Antiemetic.
2. Its decoction of lower than 1% concentration stimulates, while that
higher than 1% inhibits the intestines of guinea-pigs in vitro.
Administration
Decoction:
3-10g (decocted later).