Mu Gua (Chinese Quince Fruit), Fructus Chaenomelis Lagenariae

"Yin and Yang are opposites"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Herb 11 of 21 in Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness

Channels:

LIV, SP

Properties:

Sour, Slightly Warm

Latin:

Fructus Chaenomelis Lagenariae

Chinese:

木瓜

Tone Marks:

mù guā

Translation:

Wood Melon

Actions

Relaxes the Sinews and Opens the Channels
For stiffness and spasms of the sinews, muscles stiffness and spasms, and muscle atrophy. This is one of the best herbs for relaxing the sinews. Also for weakness and pain in the low back
Harmonizes the Stomach and Transforms Damp
For abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Also for cramping of the calves and edema in the legs.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases with hyperchlorhydria
Do not use in cases with Internal Heat Stagnation and scanty dark urine

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

6-12 grams in decoction (Chen)
6-12 grams in decoction (Bensky)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Ji Ming San (Cock's Crow Powder)
Formulas that Warm and Transform Water and Dampness
Shi Pi Yin (Bolster the Spleen Decoction)
Formulas that Warm and Transform Water and Dampness

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 Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.