Source Snakegourd Root is the dried root of Trichosanthis Kirilowii Maxim or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms (Fam. Cucurbitaceae).
Producing Areas Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Sichuan, etc.
Properties Sweet, Cold
Channels Lung, Stomach
Action
- Removes heatThirst in febrile disease.
- Promotes the production of body fluidDry cough due to heat in the lungs and diabetes caused by internal heat.
- Facilitates the drainage of pus and the subsidence of swelling.Sores and abscesses.
Usage and Dosage
10 – 15g is decocted for oral use, or up to 30g for diabetes. The ground one mixed with water and vinegar is for external use.
Notes Contraindicated for pregnant women and the patient with loose stool due to asthenic cold of the spleen and stomach.
It is incompatible with Wutou and Fuzi.
Storage
Keep in a dry place. Protect from moths.
The good one is white in colour, hard, compact and powdery.
Professional Advice
Nan Gualou (South Snakegourd), Change Gualou (Long Calyx Snakegourd) and the root of Wanggua (King Snakegourd) have powdery broken surface and slightly bitter and astringent flavour.
Fakes
Hubei Gualou (Hubei Snakegourd) and the root of Changmaogua (Trichosanthes cavaleriei) are not powdery, with rich fibres and bitter or extremely bitter flavour.
