Canavalia, Sword Bean, Dao Dou 刀豆 Sword Bean; Dao Dou (TCM)Mkhal ma zho sha (Tibetan) Canavalia gladiataPlantarum indigenarum et exoticarum Icones ad vivum coloratae, 1790 Canavalia gladiataM. Blanco, Flora de Filipinas. (1875) Botanical name: Canavalia gladiata (syn. Dolichos gladiatus), C. ensiformisIn Tibet there are 2 varieties of Mkhal zho: Mkhal zho dmar po: Canavalia gladiata Mkhal zho dkar po: Phaseolus lunatus Both are used synonymously (Drungtso) 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 Yang2. 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 Hypertension3. Moves the Blood:-especially effective to cure Wounds (Tibet) Dose: Decoction: 3–9 gramsPowder: 1–3 grams Substitute: 1. Mucuna2. Oxytropis williamsii (Srad nag) is substituted in Nepal. Preparation: 1. The fruits are stir-fried in hot sand until…

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