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

Herb 11 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:

LU, ST, LI, SI

Properties:

Sweet, Cold

Latin:

Semen Benincasae Hispidae

Chinese:

冬瓜子

Tone Marks:

dōng guā zĭ

Alt Names:

Dong Gua Ren

Translation:

Winter Melon Seed

Chinese Herb 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

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

• None Noted

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• None Noted
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Chinese Herb Dosage

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

Chinese Herb 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.

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & 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)
  Category: Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation
• Wei Jing Tang (Reed Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs