"Wood generates Fire, controls Earth, and insults Metal"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Dong Gua Zi (Winter Melon, Wax Gourd Seed, Benincasa)

Herb 10 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:
LU, ST, LI, SI

Properties:
Sweet, Cold

Latin Name:
Semen Benincasae Hispidae

Dong Gua Zi means "Winter Melon Seed"

Alternate Names

Dong Gua Ren

Actions

Clears Heat, Expels Phlegm and Eliminates Pus
For Lung and Intestinal abscesses with possible foul smell due to Lung or Large Intestine Heat. Also for bronchitis with possible thick yellow sputum and foul smell.
Promotes Urination, Drains Damp
For edema and vaginal discharge due to damp heat

Contraindications and Cautions

Use with caution in cases of diarrhea due to cold and deficiency fo the Spleen and Stomach

Herb-Drug Interactions

None Noted

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

10-15 grams in decoction ¹²
9-15 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

Both Dong Gua Zi and Yi Yi Ren clear heat and expel pus but Dong Gua Zi is better for damp heat in the Large Intestine and Yi Yi Ren is better for dampness with diarrhea, obstructive disorder and edema.

Clinical Studies and Research

Fructus Benincasae Recens extract prevents cytokine-induced nitric oxide formation and cytotoxicity of RINm5F cells.
Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2003 Nov;25(4):615-25.
Antioxidant and angiotension-converting enzyme inhibition capacities of various parts of Benincasa hispida (wax gourd).
Nahrung. 2004 Jun;48(3):230-3.
Extracts of Benincasa hispida prevent development of experimental ulcers.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Dec;78(2-3):159-64.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Da Huang Mu Dan Tang (Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction)
Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation
Wei Jing Tang (Reed Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.