Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit)

Herb 5 of 19 in Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat

Channels:

LI, LU, ST

Properties:

Sweet, Cold

Latin:

Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii

Chinese:

栝楼

Tone Marks:

guā lóu

Chinese Herb Actions

• Transforms Phlegm Heat, Clears Lung Heat
  For cough and copious, difficult to expectorate sputum due to Lung Heat
• Unbinds the Chest
  For Xiong Bi (painful obstruction of the chest due to heat and phlegm beneath the heart), stifling sensation, distensions, constriction, pain or pressure in the diaphragm
• Dissipates Nodules, Reduces Abscesses
  For abscesses in the lungs, intestines or breasts. Also for nodules.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Do not use in cases with diarrhea due Spleen and Stomach Deficiency
• Do not use with Wu Tou
• Do not use with drugs of the Aconitum complex

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• None Noted
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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 10-20 grams in decoction (Chen)
• 9-21 grams in decoction (Bensky)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthes Fruit Powder)
  Category: Formulas that Moisten Dryness and Transform Phlegm
• Gua Luo Xie Bai Bai Jiu Tang (Trichosanthes Fruit, Chinese Chive, and Wine Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi
• Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Minor Sinking Into the Chest Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Clear Heat and Transform Phlegm

• Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli)
• Cao Wu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Preparata)
• Chuan Wu (Radix Aconiti Preparata)