Gua Lou Pi (Trichosanthes Peel, Snake Gourd Peel)

Herb 6 of 19 in Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat

Gua Lou Pi (Pericarpium Trichosanthis Kirlowii)

Channels:
LI, LU, ST

Properties:
Sweet, Cold

Latin Name:
Pericarpium Trichosanthis Kirlowii

Alternate Names

Yao Gua

Actions

Transforms Phlegm Heat, Regulates Qi and Expands Chest
For cough that is dry or with difficult to expectorate sputum, dyspnea, chest congestion, chest pain that is worse with pressure, yellow sputum, wheezing, dry throat, early stages of breast abscesses, and clumping in the chest.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency
Do not use with Wu Tou

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Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.