Semen Benincasae Hispidae Winter Melon, Wax Gourd Seed, Benincasa
Also known as Dong Gua Ren
Materia Medica Data
- Temperature
- Cold
- Nature & Flavour
- Sweet, Cold
- Channels Entered
- LU, ST, LI, SI
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Semen Benincasae Hispidae
- Chinese
- 冬瓜子
- Tone Marks
- dōng guā zĭ
- Also Known As
- 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 Dosage
- 10-15 grams in decoction 12
- 9-15 grams in decoction 13
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Use with caution in cases of diarrhea due to cold and deficiency fo the Spleen and Stomach
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- None Noted
Herb-Drug Interactions
- None Noted
Western / Biomedical Research
Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research
Provided as research context — a summary of published biomedical study, not a therapeutic or medical claim.
- 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.
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.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
https://amzn.to/42aMz73
https://amzn.to/3PuD4bt