Dao Dou

This product is the dried mature seed of Canavalia gladiata DC., a legume plant. Harvest mature fruits in autumn, extract seeds, and dry them in the sun.
[Appearance] Flat oval or flat kidney-shaped, 2–3.5 cm long, 1–2 cm wide, 0.5–1.2 cm thick. Surface pale red to reddish-purple, slightly wrinkled with slight luster. Edge has a dark brown, eyebrow-like hilum, about 2 cm long, with three white fine lines. Hard texture, difficult to break. Seed coat leathery, inner surface dark green and shiny; two cotyledons yellow-white and oily. Odorless, bland taste, chewy with a bean-like aroma.
[Flavor and Meridian Affinity] Sweet, warm; enters the stomach and kidney meridians.
[Functions and Indications] Warming the center, descending Qi, stopping hiccups. Used for cold-induced hiccups and vomiting.
[Dosage and Administration] 6–9 g.
[Storage] Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from insects.