Semen Benincasae
Aliases：Bái Guā Zǐ (White Melon Seed); Guā Zǐ (Melon Seed); Guā Bàn (Melon Petal/Valve); Dōng Guā Rén (Winter Melon Kernel); Guā Xī (Melon Core/Husk).
Dōng Guā Zǐ (Winter Melon Seed) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried ripe seed of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn., a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and resolves phlegm; resolves abscess and expels pus; promotes diuresis and resolves dampness.
Indications
Used for phlegm-heat cough, lung abscess (pulmonary suppuration), intestinal abscess (appendiceal abscess), turbid urine (white turbid discharge), leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), strangury disorders (dysuria), edema, and beriberi (nutritional edema of the legs).
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor effect. Antioxidant effect. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Antidiabetic effect. Expectorant effect and inhibition of pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibition of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Antibacterial effect.
Ingredients
Fatty Acids and Lipids: Contains 14% oil. The main fatty acids are linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, etc. Lipids include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, etc. Sterols: Contains β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, etc. Triterpenoids: Contains glutinol, cucurbitacin B, lupeol, etc. Alkaloids: Contains adenine, trigonelline, etc. Amino Acids: Contains 16 amino acids, 7 of which are essential amino acids for humans. Inorganic Elements: Rich in potassium and other elements.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 10–15g; or ground into powder, 3–9g. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into a paste for application.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold. As this herb is cool in nature, prolonged use may cause internal cold damage. Should not be taken together with vitamin K preparations.
Selected Formulas
For lung abscess with mild fever, chest fullness, and scaly skin on the chest (Jin Gui Yao Lue, Qianjin Weijing Tang) Take Weijing (Reed stem), Yiyiren (Coix seed), Taoren (Peach kernel), and Guaban (wax gourd seed). Decoct in water and drink. For intestinal abscess without suppuration, with lower abdominal swelling and stuffiness (Jin Gui Yao Lue, Dahuang Mudan Tang) Take Dahuang (Rhubarb), Mudanpi (Moutan bark), Taoren, Guazi (wax gourd seed), and Mangxiao (Mirabilite). Decoct in water and drink. For turbid urine and leukorrhea (Jiu Ji Yi Fang) Take aged Dongguaren (wax gourd seed), stir-fry and grind into powder. Take 5 qian (approx. 15g) on an empty stomach with rice water. For wasting thirst disorder (Xiaoke) (Zhaiyuan Fang) Take 2 liang each of dried Dongguaren, Maimendong (Ophiopogon), and Huanglian (Coptis). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Winter Melon Seed Tea: Take an appropriate amount of winter melon seeds, wash them, and decoct in water for about 20 minutes. Drink frequently as a tea. It helps clear heat, moisten the lungs, and improve skin and hair health. Detoxifying Beauty Drink: Crush winter melon seeds together with the flesh of winter melon, boil in water, and add honey for flavor before drinking. Winter Melon Seed and Peach Blossom Honey Mask (for external use): Grind winter melon seed kernels and peach blossoms into powder, mix with honey to form a paste. Apply at night and rinse off in the morning. It helps lighten dark spots and improve skin complexion.
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe seed.
Selection & Storage
Store in an airtight container in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from insects and rodents.
