Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di)
- Chinese
- 甜瓜蒂
- Pinyin
- Tian Gua Di
- Latin
- Pedicellus Melo
Known in TCM as Tian Gua Di (甜瓜蒂), this bitter, cold herb enters the Spleen and Stomach. Traditionally, it induces vomiting; the classic emetic herb for retained food or Phlegm-Heat lodged in the chest and epigastrium, most often applied for phlegm accumulation, jaundice, and epilepsy. Modern research has identified Cucurbitacins among its active constituents.
Also Known As
Latin: Pedicellus Melo | Pinyin: Tian Gua Di | Chinese: 甜瓜蒂
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Spleen, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Induces vomiting; the classic emetic herb for retained food or Phlegm-Heat lodged in the chest and epigastrium
- Drains Damp-Heat to treat jaundice, taken orally or insufflated as a powder into the nose
Classic Formulas
- Gua Di San (Muskmelon Pedicel Powder)
Classical References
- Trade name variant of Gua Di (Muskmelon Base); Tian Gua Di and Gua Di refer to the same dried pedicel of Cucumis melo and share identical properties and actions
- Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage, Zhang Zhongjing, c. 200 CE) includes Gua Di San for retained food and chest distension
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Cucurbitacins
Studied Effects
- Traditional emetic action is consistent with the known gastric-irritant activity of cucurbitacin compounds; dedicated modern clinical pharmacology is limited
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Weak or frail patients, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or cardiac disease, where induced vomiting carries real risk
- Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency
Cautions
- Toxic and easily injures Stomach Qi; used only in small, carefully measured doses (2.5-5g decocted, 0.3-1g as powder)
- Not for prolonged or repeated use
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di) used for?
Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di) is traditionally used to Induces vomiting; the classic emetic herb for retained food or Phlegm-Heat lodged in the chest and epigastrium, Drains Damp-Heat to treat jaundice, taken orally or insufflated as a powder into the nose. Research has investigated its effects on: Traditional emetic action is consistent with the known gastric-irritant activity of cucurbitacin compounds; dedicated modern clinical pharmacology is limited.
What are other names for Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di)?
Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di) is also known as Cucumis melo pedicel, Gua Di (synonym). In TCM: 甜瓜蒂 (Tian Gua Di); Pedicellus Melo.
Is Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di) safe during pregnancy?
Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di) is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di)?
Muskmelon Pedicel (Tian Gua Di) should not be used in: Pregnancy; Weak or frail patients, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or cardiac disease, where induced vomiting carries real risk; Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.