Amomum villosum from Yunnan

Last updated 2026-11-10 —     Amomum villosum is abundantly produced in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan, especially around the Jinuo Mountain area, where the Jinuo ethnic group resides — this is the primary production zone for the herb. This achievement is the result of joint efforts and hard work by scientific workers in Yunnan Province and the Jinuo people. Amomum villosum helps nourish the lungs and invigorate the spleen, strengthen the stomach and benefit the kidneys, regulate vital energy, unblock stagnant qi, and disperse cold-induced fluid retention and distension. It is a type of ginger plant, categorized into two types: spring amomum and shell amomum. Both its fruit and flowers are used medicinally. It has the effect of regulating qi and relaxing the middle energizer, as well as strengthening the stomach and aiding digestion. It is a precious and commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, as well as an important raw material for common proprietary Chinese medicines such as Xiangsha Weiwu Pills, Xiangsha Liujunzi Pills, and Shugan Pills. After being planted, Amomum villosum typically begins to flower and bear fruit in about three years, with a yield that can bring in 500 to 1,000 yuan per mu, and can be continuously harvested for up to 10 years. The majority produced in Yunnan and the two Guang provinces (Guangdong and Guangxi) is spring amomum. Currently, Yunnan ranks second in the country in terms of Amomum villosum production.