Chinese Waxgourd Seed … Classic Formulas
Dong Gua Ren · Semen Benincasae
Primary Actions
- Clears the Lungs and transforms phlegm ... Dong Gua Ren is used for cough with phlegm-heat, thick sputum, and Lung constraint from retained Heat.
- Expels pus and resolves abscess ... it is a classical helper for pulmonary abscess and intestinal abscess when Heat, phlegm, and pus have formed internally.
- Promotes urination and reduces edema ... beyond its abscess role, it is also used for damp obstruction with swelling or difficult urination.
Classic Formulas
- Wei Jing Tang ... classic Lung-abscess formula pairing Dong Gua Ren with Lu Gen, Yi Yi Ren, and Tao Ren.
- Da Huang Mu Dan Tang ... intestinal-abscess tradition in which Dong Gua Ren helps clear Heat and expel pus.
- Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San ... abdominal-abscess context where Dong Gua Ren may be added or paired with other pus-resolving herbs depending on the presentation.
Classical Text References
- TCM teaching describes Dong Gua Ren as sweet and slightly cold, entering the Lung and Large Intestine to transform phlegm, expel pus, and promote urination.
- Classical formula use makes clear that this is not simply a food seed ... it has a specific role in phlegm-Heat and internal abscess patterns.