Dong Gua Pi (Winter Melon Peel, Wax Gourd Peel), Exocarpium Benincasae

"Excess Joy impacts the Heart and causes Qi to slow down"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Herb 10 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:

LU, SI

Properties:

Sweet, Bland, Cool

Latin:

Exocarpium Benincasae

Chinese:

冬瓜皮

Tone Marks:

dōng guā pí

Actions

Promotes Urination, Clears Heat, Reduces Edema and Swelling
For edema usually due to damp heat, abdominal distention, urinary difficulty and summer heat disorders.

Contraindications and Cautions

None Noted

Herb-Drug Interactions

None Noted

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

15-30 grams in decoction ¹²
15-30 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

Dong Gua Pi has a mild harmonizing effect and is usually used with other herbs that promote urination and clear heat

Clinical Studies and Research

Anti-angiogenic effect of the seed extract of Benincasa hispida Cogniaux.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Mar 21;97(3):509-13.
Antioxidant and angiotension-converting enzyme inhibition capacities of various parts of Benincasa hispida (wax gourd).
Nahrung. 2004 Jun;48(3):230-3.
Extracts of Benincasa hispida prevent development of experimental ulcers.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Dec;78(2-3):159-64.

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.