The efficacy and function of Trichosanthes kirilowii peel

Trichosanthes bark is a medicinal material. If we have some understanding of its medicinal value, we can correctly use it to treat some related diseases in life. Let’s take a look at it below.

[Other names] Trichosanthes peel (from "The Empirical Identification Method of Chinese Medicine Shape and Properties"), Melon peel (from "Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica").

[Source] It is the pericarp of the Cucurbitaceae plants Trichosanthes kirilowii or Trichosanthes kirilowii . The fruits are harvested from September to October. Cut in half, take out the pulp and seeds, wash the peel, turn it inside out first and dry it in the sun, then the outside. If it rains, it should be dried to prevent mildew. Do not use too strong a fire when drying, and turn it over in sequence to prevent it from being over-dried.

[Habitat distribution] It is produced in most parts of my country.

[Properties] The dried pericarp is usually rolled into a tube, about 6 to 10 cm long; it is often attached to a fruit stalk, about 2 cm long; the pericarp is very thin, the outer surface is orange-yellow with bright red spots and fine veins, the inner surface is off-white to dark yellow, often with some flesh attached. Hard and brittle. Aromatic, spicy. The best ones are those with bright color and no stalks.

[Preparation] Pick out impurities, wash with water, take out, steam for a while, cut into shreds, and dry in the sun.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet, cold.

[entry into meridians] Enters the lung and stomach meridians.

【Functions and indications】Moistens the lungs and resolves phlegm, promotes qi and relieves chest tightness. Treats cough due to phlegm and heat, sore throat, chest pain, vomiting blood, epistaxis, diabetes, constipation, carbuncles and swellings.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3 to 4 qian; or made into powder. For external use: burn the medicine, grind it into powder and apply it on the affected area.

【Note】 Not suitable for people with spleen deficiency and dampness and phlegm.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat the initial stage of febrile disease, severe heat and cough: Trichosanthes peel, apricot kernel, Peucedanum chinense, cicada shell, Fructus lycopodii, and liquorice. Take it as a decoction. (Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Records)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Leigong Paozhi Lun"

The medicinal value of Trichosanthes kirilowii bark introduced in the article is of great help to our lives. In fact, many physical illnesses can be treated with some Chinese medicinal materials such as Trichosanthes kirilowii bark. The profound Chinese medicine culture should continue to be passed on.