Fruit of Chinese Waxgourd

冬瓜

Name

Dong Gua (Fruit of Chinese Waxgourd)

Property

Sweet, bland, slightly cold; lung, large intestine, small intestine and bladder meridians entered.

Actions

Induce diuresis and clear heat, resolve phlegm and promote the secretion of saliva, remove toxicity.

Indications

Edema, diabetes, sores and boils, asthma with cough, stranguria, barbiers, diarrhea, anal fistula, polydipsia caused by summer-heat, excessive phlegm, abdominal distension, drunkness, toxicity of fish.

Dosage and administration

Decoct 60~120 g, or pounded into juice. Proper dosage is for external application, pounded for applying or decocted for washing.

Cautions

It is contraindicated in case of loose stool and deficiency cold in the kidney.