tian hua fen

天花粉·Radix Trichosanthis

snakegourd root

About tian hua fen

Tian Hua Fen (天花粉) is the root of the snakegourd, recorded as Radix Trichosanthis. It is bitter and slightly sweet in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Lung and Stomach channels. The catalogue files it among the substances that cool and transform Phlegm-Heat. Its fruit, peel and seed are entered separately.

Names

Pinyintian hua fen
Chinese天花粉
Latin NameRadix Trichosanthis
English Namesnakegourd root·Trichosanthes Root
Japanesetenkafun
Koreancheonhwabun

Classification

Channels
Lung, Stomach
Flavour
Bitter, Slightly Sweet
Temperature
Cold
Part used
Root
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Species
Trichosanthes Kirilowii
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Clears Heat and generates Fluids

  • Thirst and irritability from Heat and Dryness in the Lungs
  • Thirst from Yin deficiency
  • Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting disorder)
  • Heat with irritability, a dry mouth, lips and tongue, and a craving for cold drinks

Clears Lung Heat, transforms Phlegm and moistens Dryness

  • Phlegm-Heat lodged above the diaphragm, above all when Heat has turned into Dryness
  • Thick or blood-streaked phlegm, sticky and hard to bring up, with a dry cough

Relieves toxicity, expels pus and reduces swelling

  • Breast abscess, treated both internally and topically
  • Carbuncles and sores that are red, swollen and painful
  • Hemorrhoids

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 8-16g; Tincture: 2-5ml8-16 g2-5 ml

Cautions

Interactions

Antagonistic with