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Gua Lou Zi瓜蒌子

Trichosanthis Semen · Trichosanthes Seed · Snakegourd Seed

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药

Overview

The oil-rich seed of the trichosanthes fruit: sweet and cold, it moistens the Lung to loosen dry sticky phlegm and moistens the intestines to move a hard stool — the half of the fruit that lubricates rather than disperses. Dry-fried Gua Lou Zi is crushed before decocting, is easier on the Stomach, and moves the bowel more gently than the raw seed.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Cold

Channels

Lung · Stomach · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

9–15 g in decoction, crushed before use
瓜蒌子Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Moistens the Lung, transforms phlegmDry cough with scanty, sticky phlegm that is hard to bring up, a dry throat and chest.
  • Moistens the intestines, moves stoolDry constipation from heat or fluid depletion, particularly in the elderly or after a febrile illness.
  • Processing softens the effectDry-fried seed is less cold and less purging than raw, and is preferred when a weak digestion still needs the moistening action.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Gua Lou Zi

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Dry cough with scanty sticky phlegm
    - Dry, hard stool from heat or fluid depletion
    - Phlegm-heat patterns needing lubrication rather than dispersal

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Dry coughConstipationBronchitis

Contraindications

Cautions

Oily and cold: it will worsen loose stools in Spleen deficiency and is unsuitable in cold-damp phlegm. It shares the whole fruit's classical incompatibility — not combined with Wu Tou / Fu Zi.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy — it is cold and moves the bowel; practitioner supervision required

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华本草》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.