冬
瓜
Dōng guā Wax gourd melon flesh-
harvested
late Summer or early Autumn when the fruit has ripened.
FLAVOR: Slightly
sweet, neutral CHANNEL: Lung, Large intestine ,Small
intestine, Urinary bladder
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Diuretic.
1. Diuretic.[2,3,4,7] Relief of thirst.[7]
2. Clearing away phlegm.[2,4] Eliminates
mucus.[3]
3. Removing pathogenic Heat and the poisonous quality of any substance.[1,4]
Detoxicates.[3]
4. Promote bowel movements.[3]
INDICATIONS
1. Edema.[1,3,4] Beriberi.[1,3,4]
Dysuria.[1,4]
2. Coughs and asthma with rale (rattle).[1,4]
3. Restlessness due to Summer Heat, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, carbuncle
and swelling.[1,4] Sunstroke.[3]
Relief of fevers.[7]
4. Counteracting fish poisoning, alcohol toxin.[1,4]
Alcoholism.[3]
5. Obesity.[1]
6. Topical application- relief when rubbed on acne and "prickly heat".[7]
The pulp is used as a demulcent both internal and external use. It is added
to baths for the treatment of pimples and pickly heat.[7]
It is also regarded as diuretic, and is used in the treatment of gravel (small
urinary stones).[7]
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Cold physical conditions, impotence of sexual inadequacies,
such as seminal emission.[1]
Spleen/Stomach Deficiency, Kidney Cold deficiency, or lingering diarrhea resulting
from a long standing illness.[4]
PREPARATIONS: To
be decocted, or eaten stewed, or made into medicated diet.[2]
- Raw wax gourd can be applied externally to the affected part. Cool natured,
it should not be eaten raw.[4]
- Relieve sunstroke and thirst- Pound melon to get its fresh juice for drinking.[3]
- Promote urination and bowel movements, cure edema, beriberi, and hemorrhoids-
Boil 100 g wax gourd over low heat. Drink it as soup. Or bake a wax gourd until
its skin appears charred. Take 30 g each time, twice a day. Or eat cooked wax
gourd on a regular basis.[3]