Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit)

Herb 5 of 19 in Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat

Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii)

Channels:
LI, LU, ST

Properties:
Sweet, Cold

Latin Name:
Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii

Actions

Transforms Phlegm Heat, Clears Lung Heat
For cough and copious, difficult to expectorate sputum due to Lung Heat
Unbinds the Chest
For Xiong Bi (painful obstruction of the chest due to heat and phlegm beneath the heart), stifling sensation, distensions, constriction, pain or pressure in the diaphragm
Dissipates Nodules, Reduces Abscesses
For abscesses in the lungs, intestines or breasts. Also for nodules.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases with diarrhea due Spleen and Stomach Deficiency
Do not use with Wu Tou
Do not use with drugs of the Aconitum complex

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

10-20 grams in decoction (Chen)
9-21 grams in decoction (Bensky)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthes Fruit Powder)
Formulas that Moisten Dryness and Transform Phlegm
Gua Luo Xie Bai Bai Jiu Tang (Trichosanthes Fruit, Chinese Chive, and Wine Decoction)
Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Minor Sinking Into the Chest Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Transform Phlegm

This herb is incompatible with:

Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli)
Cao Wu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Preparata)
Chuan Wu (Radix Aconiti Preparata)

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Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.