Semen Cucurbitae
Naming
Nan Gua Zi (Semen Cucurbitae)——Xian Dai Shi Yong Zhong Yao Yue (Modern Practical Materia Medica)
Origin
The seed of Cucurbita moschata Duch. of family Cucurbitaceae.
Location
Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces in China.
Harvest
Collected in summer and autumn when the fruit is mature.
The actual smell and taste
Mild smell and light sweet.
Best quality
Big, full, yellowish white crust and fresh.
Processing
Dried in the sun; ground into powder, unprocessed
Property
Sweet, neutral; stomach and large intestine meridians entered.
Actions
Expel parasites.
Indications
Taeniasis
This herb is sweet and neutral, and can kill parasitic worms without healthy qi damage. It is good at expelling tapeworm, and is reinforced by Bing Lang. First take 60~120 g powder of this herb with cold water, take 60~120 g Bing Lang decoction 2 hours later, then take Mang Xiao half an hour later to promote purgation and expel parasites bodies. In addition, it also can treat schistosomiasis but should in large dose (120~200 g) and be taken longer.
Dosage and Administrations
Grind into powder, 60~120 g. Take with cold water.