Dong Gua Pi
Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.
☯ TCM Properties
Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema; Clears Heat and Resolves Summer-Heat; Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Benincasa hispida, the wax gourd or winter melon, is a vigorous annual trailing or climbing vine in the Cucurbitaceae, with long, ridged, hairy stems bearing branched tendrils. The large alternate leaves are palmately five- to seven-lobed, rough-hairy on both surfaces. Solitary yellow funnel-shaped flowers are produced in leaf axils; the plant is monoecious. The fruit is a very large oblong to nearly spherical pepo, 30-80 cm long, with bristly young surface that matures to a smooth pale green skin coated with a thick whitish waxy bloom, giving the common name. The white juicy flesh contains many flat seeds. The dried outer peel (rind) of the mature fruit, removed in thin strips after the flesh is used as food, is the medicinal Dong Gua Pi.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Dong Gua Pi (winter melon rind) is a cool, sweet herb used in Chinese medicine to drain Dampness and promote urination, with a focused action on reducing edema of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is particularly useful for general puffiness of the limbs and face from Lung and Stomach Qi failing to distribute fluids, and for summer-heat conditions with thirst and scanty urination. Its action is gentler than the seed and has a more surface-directed effect.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.