dong gua zi

冬瓜子·Semen Benincasae

Chinese waxgourd seed

About dong gua zi

Dong Gua Zi (冬瓜子) is the seed of the winter melon, or Chinese wax gourd, recorded as Semen Benincasae. It is sweet in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Lung, Stomach and both Intestine channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that drain Dampness.

Names

Pinyindong gua zi
Chinese冬瓜子
Latin NameSemen Benincasae
English NameChinese waxgourd seed·Winter Melon Seed
Japanesetokanin
Koreandonggwaja

Classification

Channels
Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Small Intestine
Flavour
Sweet
Temperature
Cold
Part used
Seed
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Species
benincasa hispida
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Clears Heat, expels Phlegm, expels pus and moistens the Lungs

  • Lung Heat with thick, yellow sputum that may smell foul
  • Intestinal Heat
  • Lung or intestinal abscess, sometimes with foul discharge, where Damp-Heat and Phlegm obstruct the Upper or Lower Jiao

Clears Heat, promotes urination and drains Damp

  • Edema
  • Vaginal discharge from Damp-Heat

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 3-20g; May use up to 30g; Tincture: 2-4ml3-20 g2-4 ml

Cautions