Nan Gua Zi
Cucurbita moschata (Duch. ex Lam.) Duch. ex Poir.
☯ TCM Properties
Expels Parasites; Promotes Lactation; Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Cucurbita moschata, commonly known as winter squash or pumpkin, is an annual, monoecious herbaceous vine in the family Cucurbitaceae, native to the Americas and now cultivated worldwide. It produces long, prostrate or climbing stems bearing branched tendrils and large, palmately lobed, softly hairy leaves with five shallow lobes. Bright yellow to orange, bell-shaped solitary flowers, up to 10 cm across, are unisexual, with staminate and pistillate flowers borne separately on the same plant. The fruit is a large, fleshy, ribbed pepo with orange flesh and a tan to buff rind, containing many flat, ovate, whitish to pale-green seeds enclosed in a thin papery hull. Nan Gua Zi refers to these dried pumpkin seeds, harvested from mature fruits.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| poultice | As needed | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Nan Gua Zi (pumpkin seed) is a mild, sweet-neutral herb used in Chinese medicine primarily to expel tapeworms and roundworms from the intestines without harming the digestive Qi. Its gentle, food-safe character makes it one of the more palatable antiparasitic remedies. It also has a mild Lung-moistening quality used for cough, and its nutrient-dense composition gives it additional value in dietary therapy for nutritional support during parasite treatment.
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.