☯ TCM Properties
Resolves toxicity and reduces swellings; Reduces swelling and invigorates the Blood
Traditional Chinese Uses
Mu Bie Zi (Semen Momordicae) is the seed of Momordica cochinchinensis (gac). Bitter, slightly sweet and warm, and classified as toxic, it enters the Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine and Lung channels and is used mainly as an external toxin-resolving, swelling-reducing agent. Ground into paste or medicated oil, it is applied topically to boils, carbuncles and other toxic swellings, scrofula, non-healing sores, hemorrhoids, tinea and traumatic swelling, where it reduces swelling, disperses nodules and invigorates the Blood.
Because the seed is toxic, it is primarily for external use; internal use is small, cautious and requires professional guidance, and it is contraindicated in pregnancy and in weak, deficient patients. It is generally reserved for excess, Stasis- and toxin-type swellings rather than deficiency conditions.
Botanical Description
Momordica cochinchinensis, gac, is a vigorous perennial dioecious climbing vine of the Cucurbitaceae family native to southern China, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. The plant produces angled stems that ascend by unbranched tendrils, bearing alternate, deeply three- to five-lobed, broadly cordate leaves with finely serrate margins. Solitary pale-yellow flowers with a conspicuous dark center are borne in leaf axils, male and female on separate plants. The fruit is the most distinctive feature: a large ovoid berry up to fifteen centimeters long, densely covered with short soft conical spines and ripening from green through orange to brilliant red. Inside, large flattened dark-brown to black seeds about two centimeters across are embedded in a thick, deep-crimson, aril-like pulp extraordinarily rich in lycopene and carotenoids.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| poultice | As needed | Daily | — | — | — |
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.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Mu Bie Zi.
No notes yet.