Dōng Guā Zǐ (冬瓜子) — Winter Melon Seed
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1. Overview
Dōng Guā Zǐ (冬瓜子) — the dried seed of the winter melon (Benincasa hispida, also called wax gourd) — is a cooling Chinese herb used to clear Damp-Heat from the Lungs and Intestines, drain pus from internal abscesses, and resolve Phlegm-heat sinusitis. It is one of the principal ingredients of Wei Jing Tang (Reed Decoction) for Lung abscess, and of Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang for intestinal abscess (appendicitis). Modern research has identified anti-inflammatory and diuretic actions consistent with its classical indications.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Dōng Guā Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 冬瓜子 |
| Latin name | Semen Benincasae / Benincasa hispida |
| English name | Winter melon seed, wax gourd seed |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Lung, Large Intestine, Small Intestine |
| Category | Clear Heat, expel pus and drain Damp |
| Dosage | 9–30 g, decocted |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Lung Heat and expels Phlegm — for cough with thick, yellow phlegm, sinusitis, and the early stage of Lung abscess (pneumonia, bronchiectasis with infection).
- Resolves Damp-Heat and drains pus from the Intestines — for intestinal abscess (appendicitis, diverticulitis) with constipation and abdominal pain.
- Promotes urination and drains Damp — for cloudy or scanty urination from Damp-Heat in the lower burner.
- Moistens the Intestines — for dry constipation, particularly when accompanied by underlying heat.
4. Key formulas
- Wei Jing Tang — the classical formula for Lung abscess; Dong Gua Zi combines with reed rhizome, peach kernel and Job's tears.
- Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang — for intestinal abscess; the seed drains pus while Rhubarb and Moutan clear heat and move Blood.
- Modern adaptations for sinusitis with thick, yellow nasal discharge.
5. Cautions
Dong Gua Zi is generally well tolerated. It should be used with caution in patients with cold-pattern diarrhoea or weak digestion, as its cooling and slightly slippery nature may aggravate the picture. Not recommended in pregnancy when used in large doses.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Dong Gua Zi as part of pharmaceutical-grade granule prescriptions from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. See prices for costs.
