Canavalia, Sword Bean, Dao Dou 刀豆

Sword Bean; Dao Dou (TCM)
Mkhal ma zho sha (Tibetan)

Plantarum indigenarum et exoticarum Icones ad vivum coloratae, 1790

Witsen, N., Jager, H. de, Plantae Javanicae
pictae, ex Java transmissae anno MDCC, 1700

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Botanical name:
Canavalia gladiata (syn. Dolichos gladiatus), C. ensiformis

Parts used:
Seed

Temperature & Taste:
Warm (Neutral in Tibetan), Sweet

Classification:
J. Regulate Qi

Uses:
1. Warms and Strengthens the Kidneys:
-Cold and Weak Kidneys, aching lower back, copious pale urine
-used for both Hot and Cold Kidney disorders in Tibetan Medicine; 'all Kidney disorders' (Drungsto)
-'tones the Kidney and Yuan Qi'. (Li Shi Zhen)
-it mildly strengthens Kidney Yang

2. Warms the Stomach, Directs Qi Down:
-'Warms the Interior and brings down adverse ascending of Qi, facilitates function of the Intestines and Stomach, stops Nausea and Retching'. (Li Shi Zhen)
-Hiccup, Belching, Vomiting from Cold in the Stomach
-downward effect is also used for Hypertension

3. Moves the Blood:
-especially effective to cure Wounds (Tibet)

DOSE:
Decoction: 3–9 grams
Powder: 1–3 grams

SUBSTITUTE:
Mucuna

PREPARATION:
The fruits are stir-fried in hot sand until yellowish, then the seed coat is removed and the seeds are used in medicine. (Tibetan Medicine)

Main Combinations:
1. Hiccup and Vomiting from Cold in the Stomach:
i. Canavalia powder is taken with hot water. (Li Shi Zhen)
ii. Canavalia, Clove, Citrus Chen Pi (TCM)
2. Cold and Weak Kidney:
i. Canavalia with Eucommia Du Zhong, Mistletoe (Sang Ji Sheng), Achyranthes Niu Xi
ii. Canavalia with Chebula, Madder, Safflower, Green Cardamon, Nutmeg
iii. Canavalia with Tribulus seed, Safflower, Madder, Lesser Cardamon (as in Possessor of Ruby Color)
3. Nephritis, Strangury, Kidney or waist pain, Canavalia with Chebula, Shilajit, Green Cardamon, Safflower, Madder (as in Chebula 10)

Major Formulas:
Possessor of Ruby Color
Chebula 10

Cautions:
Avoid in excess Stomach Heat.

Main Preparations used: