Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Gua Lou (瓜蔞), the fruit of Trichosanthes, clears heat and transforms phlegm-heat, unbinds the chest and dissipates nodules, and moistens the Intestines; a key herb for chest painful obstruction and phlegm-heat cough.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Trichosanthes kirilowii (Fructus Trichosanthis)
Common English Name
Trichosanthes fruit
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and transforms phlegm-heat
- Unbinds the chest and dissipates nodules (chest pain, breast abscess)
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
Indications
Phlegm-heat cough with thick yellow sputum; chest painful obstruction with a stifling sensation; breast abscess; and constipation from dryness.
Dosage
9-15 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Xie Bai and Ban Xia for chest painful obstruction; with Pu Gong Ying for breast abscess.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in loose stools from Spleen deficiency. Classically incompatible with Wu Tou (aconite).
