The efficacy and function of Trichosanthes kirilowii

There are so many medicinal herbs in the world, and it is inevitable that there are some that we are not familiar with. But as long as we have the spirit of learning throughout our lives, I believe we can slowly learn more medical herbs. So do you know about the medicinal herb Trichosanthes kirilowii?

[Other names] Trichosanthes seed (Dan Xi's Heart Method), Trichosanthes seed (Ming of Medicinal Properties).

[Source] It is the seeds of the Cucurbitaceae plants Trichosanthes kirilowii , Trichosanthes kirilowii, Trichosanthes kirilowii var. The fruits are harvested from September to November, cut open, remove the seeds, wash and dry them.

【Original form】①Trichosanthes kirilowii, see the entry for "Trichosanthes kirilowii".

【Properties】 ①Trichosanthes kirilowii

[Chemical composition] Trichosanthes seed contains glycosides, saponins, organic acids and their salts (such as calcium oxalate), gums, resins, fatty oils and pigments. The fatty oil content is about 26%, of which saturated fatty acids account for 30% and unsaturated ones account for about 66.5%; the unsaturated fatty acids are mainly trichosanthes acid.

[Processing] Trichosanthes kirilowii: Pick out impurities, sift out dry seeds, and flatten. Stir-fried Trichosanthes seeds: take the clean Trichosanthes seeds and put them in a pot, stir-fry over low heat until they are slightly puffed, take them out and let them cool. Trichosanthes kernel cream: take the shelled Trichosanthes kernels, grind them into powder, wrap them with oil-absorbing paper, heat them slightly, squeeze them to remove the oil, grind them into powder again, and sieve them.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet, cold.

[entry into meridians] Enters the lung, stomach and large intestine meridians.

【Functions and indications】Moistens the lungs, resolves phlegm, and lubricates the intestines. Treats cough due to phlegm and heat, constipation due to dryness and hardness, carbuncle, and insufficient milk.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3 to 4 qian; or made into pills or powder. For external use: grind into powder and apply on skin.

【Note】 ① "Compendium of Materia Medica" says: "Wolfberry is its accompaniment. It hates dried ginger. It is afraid of Achyranthes bidentata. It is antagonistic to Aconitum."

[Additional prescription] ① Treat persistent cough with phlegm: 1 liang of Trichosanthes seeds and 7 fen of Meretrix meretrix. Grind it into powder, thicken it with ginger juice, and make into marble-sized balls. Hold it in your mouth. (From "Zhai Yuan Fang")

【Discussions by various scholars】 ①《Classified Explanations of Medicinal Properties》: "In the past, Trichosanthes root was said to be able to dispel the stagnant heat in the lungs, and also said that it can lower the qi. This is because the sweet taste is combined with the cold taste, and it can harmonize, lower, and moisten, so the stagnant heat is naturally dissipated. What Danxi called the dirt and grease in the chest is probably also caused by the stagnant heat. The stagnant heat is dissipated, and the blocked qi is lowered, so how can the dirt and grease not be cleaned?"

[Note] In addition, the seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii (Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong), Trichosanthes kirilowii (Yunnan, Guizhou), Trichosanthes kirilowii (Yunnan) and Trichosanthes kirilowii himalayan (for the original plant, see the "Shi Hu Lu" entry) are used as Trichosanthes kirilowii seeds in various production areas. In Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, the seeds of the same plant, Trichosanthes kirilowii, are usually called Trichosanthes kernel. The two have significantly different appearances, see the entry for "Wang Guazi".

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

【Source】 From "Collected Notes on the Classic of Materia Medica"

Through the detailed introduction of Trichosanthes kirilowii in this article, we can learn about the related functions and eating methods of Trichosanthes kirilowii. The value of Trichosanthes kirilowii can be seen from its efficacy, which fully reflects the importance of Trichosanthes kirilowii.