Individual Herbs Notebook

Dong Gua

Pharmaceutical: Fructus Benincasae
Taxonomy: Benincasa hispida

Other names: Chinese Waxgourd / Winter Melon

Category: Herbs that Drain Dampness



Properties: Sweet, bland, slightly cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung, Large Intestine, Small Intestine and Bladder


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Promotes urination, clears Heat, resolves Toxicity and Transforms Phlegm
    Oedema, abdominal distension, stranguria, foot Qi
    Diabetes (消渴 Xiao Ke), thirst caused by Summerheat
    Cough with wheezing, excessive Phlegm
    Diarrhoea, anal fistula
    Drunkenness, toxicity of fish
    Sores and boils

Suggested Daily Dosage: 60-120g in decoction.


Cautions: It is contraindicated in case of loose stool and Deficiency Cold in the kidney.


Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)