Gua Lou
Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm; Broadens the Chest and Dissipates Nodules; Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels; Disperses Swelling and Dissipates Abscesses
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Trichosanthes kirilowii (Gua Lou, Chinese snake gourd) is a perennial dioecious climbing vine in the Cucurbitaceae family, ascending several meters by means of bifid tendrils opposite the leaves. The stems are slender, ridged, and minutely hairy. The alternate, long-petioled leaves are broadly cordate-ovate in outline, 5 to 20 centimeters across, palmately 3- to 7-lobed with coarsely toothed margins. Flowers are unisexual: staminate flowers borne in axillary racemes, pistillate flowers solitary, each with a tubular calyx and five white petals deeply fringed at the margins into a delicate lace-like fringe characteristic of the genus, opening in the evening. The fruit is an orange to orange-red globose to ovoid pepo 7 to 11 centimeters long, ripening in autumn, containing a sweetish pulp and many flattened pale brown seeds. Three distinct medicinal materials are derived: Gua Lou (whole fruit), Gua Lou Pi (peel), Gua Lou Ren (seed), and Tian Hua Fen (root). Native to China, Korea, and Japan.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Bai Xian Pi (densefruit pittany root bark) is a cold, bitter herb primarily used to resolve Damp-Heat skin conditions. It is a leading herb for inflammatory, weeping, itchy skin disorders including eczema, psoriasis-type conditions, and damp-type skin infections. Its ability to clear Heat toxin also extends to treating jaundice from Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, and it appears in formulas for urinary burning and joint pain from Damp-Heat obstruction.
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.