Katsumada Galangal Seed

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan.

Semi-spherical seed clusters, 1.5~2.7cm diameter. Externally grayish-brown, yellowish-white sections form a semi-spherical shape, the seed clusters form 3 separate lobes, each lobe has numerous seeds and sticks together; the cluster is slightly smooth. Seeds are oval-shaped polyhedrons, 3~5mm long, about 3mm diameter; the outside is covered with a pale brown aril, raphe is one longitudinal groove, the other end has hilum. Hard texture, breaks along the raphe into two lobes, longitudinal cut surface is oblique heart-shaped; seed coat extends inwards along raphe, taking 1/2 area of the whole; endosperm is grayish-white. Aromatic odor; taste acrid, and slightly bitter.

Superior medicinal material has full seeds, firm, semi-spherical, and potent aroma and taste.

Acrid; warm.

Dries dampness, relieves intention, promoting qi-flowing, warms center, fortifies the stomach, digests food. Splenic and gastric stagnation of cold-damp, chest impediment of damp-warm, lost appetite, cold-dampness and vomiting, cheats and abdominal impediment, indigestion.