Dong Gua Ren - Winter Melon Seed

TCM Materia Medica

Dong Gua Ren TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "dong gua ren" which in english is "winter melon seed", is categorized within the "herbs that drain dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the large intestine, lung, small intestine and stomach channels and exhibits cold (han) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 3-12g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Clears lung and intestinal heat, expels phlegm, discharges pus - thick, sticky, yellow phlegm, damp-heat with phlegm obstruction in the upper/lower jiao (lung/intestinal abscess).
  • Clears heat, drains dampness - leukorrhea due to damp-heat.

As noted above, dong gua ren is within the herbs that drain dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... there are two main types of dampness: accumulation of fluids in the body - edema, congested fluids (respiratory and digestive system). these herbs are good for edema below the wais…)".

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