Individual Herbs Notebook

Dong Gua Zi

Pharmaceutical: Semen Benincasae
Taxonomy: Benincasa hispida

Other names: Chinese Waxgourd Seed / Winter Melon Seed

Category: Herbs that Drain Dampness



Properties: Sweet, slightly cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung and Large Intestine
Divergent Zones: Taiyang, Yangming


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Clears Heat, expels Phlegm, expels pus and moistens the Lungs
    Lung Heat with expectoration of thick, yellow sputum
    Intestinal Heat
    Damp-Heat with Phlegm Obstruction in the Upper or Lower Jiao as in Intestinal abscess
  2. Clears Heat and drains Dampness
    Damp-Heat vaginal discharge

Suggested Daily Dosage: 10-15g in decoction.


Appears in 3 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)