Snakegourd Seed … Classic Formulas
Gua Lou Zi · Semen Trichosanthis
Primary Actions
- Moistens the Lung and transforms phlegm ... Gua Lou Zi is used for cough with thick sputum, dryness, and phlegm-heat binding the chest.
- Lubricates the intestines and unblocks the bowels ... the oily seeds are classically chosen when heat and dryness produce difficult stool.
- Reduces swelling and helps resolve abscess-type phlegm-heat accumulation ... traditional use includes breast or lung abscess patterns.
Classic Formulas
- Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan ... phlegm-heat cough with chest oppression and thick sputum.
- Gua Lou Xie Bai Ban Xia Tang ... when chest obstruction and phlegm binding are prominent.
- Moistening-bowel pairings with other oily seeds ... used when Lung dryness and dry constipation coexist.
Classical Text References
- Traditional herbals describe Gua Lou Zi as the seed-focused moistening and downward-directing member of the Gua Lou family.
- Its use for both phlegm-heat cough and dry constipation reflects the seed's richer oil content compared with the peel.