Mu Bie Zi (木鳖子) is the seed of cochinchina momordica, recorded as Semen Momordicae. It is bitter and slightly sweet in flavour, warm in temperature, and enters the Liver, Stomach and Large Intestine channels. The catalogue files it among the substances for external application.

Pinyin

mu bie zi

Chinese

木鳖子

Latin Name

Semen Momordicae

English Name

cochinchina momordica seed

Japanese

mokubesshi

Korean

mokbyeolja

Actions and indications

Resolves toxicity, reduces swelling and dissipates nodules

Toxic swellings, hard lumps, scrofula and sores that will not heal, applied topically
Boils, carbuncles, and breast abscess or mastitis, as a topical paste
Hemorrhoids and fistula, as a wash or application

Reduces swelling and invigorates Blood

Swelling and pain from falls, fractures, bruises and sprains, applied topically
Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao causing low back pain, applied topically

Treats tinea externally

Ringworm and favus of the skin or scalp, ground and applied

Combinations

huang qin + huang bai + tian hua fen

Long-standing hot, red, painful, swollen abscesses, applied topically

ba dou + ru xiang + ming fan

Sores full of pus that fail to open, applied topically

shan dou gen

Painful, swollen throat, used as a powder

vinegar

Painful, swollen teeth and gums, ground and applied to the area

liu huang + qing fen

Acne and rosacea.

Age

Raw

Granule

Tincture

Concentrate

Frequency

Any Pills and powders: 0.5-1.5g; Tincture: 0.1-0.25ml

0.5-1.5 g

—

0.1-0.25 ml

—

Cautions

caution Toxic; meant for external use, with any internal use limited to small amounts of the processed (defatted) seed under professional supervision

pregnancy Do not use in pregnancy

contraindication Weak or debilitated patients

caution Keep off broken skin and open wounds, and away from the eyes and mucous membranes, unless a practitioner advises otherwise, since the toxin is harmful once absorbed

caution The raw seed is more toxic than the defatted form and is not taken internally

mu bie zi

About mu bie zi

Names

Classification