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Tian Hua Fen (天花粉), the root of Trichosanthes, clears heat and drains fire, generates fluids to relieve thirst, and clears heat to reduce swelling and expel pus from sores.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Trichosanthes kirilowii (Radix Trichosanthis)
Common English Name
Trichosanthes root
Taste
Sweet, slightly bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Stomach
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and generates fluids (thirst, wasting-thirsting)
- Clears Lung heat and moistens dryness
- Reduces swelling and expels pus
Indications
Heat with thirst and wasting-thirsting disorder; dry Lung heat cough; and swollen, toxic sores and abscesses.
Dosage
9-15 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Lu Gen and Mai Men Dong for heat with thirst.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Classically incompatible with Wu Tou (aconite). Avoid in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold.
