INDIVIDUAL HERBS

NAME: NAN GUA ZI

Pharmaceutical Latin: Semen Cucurbitae Moschatae
Common English: Pumpkin Seeds and Husks
Red Squash Seed
Cushaw Seeds

CATEGORY

Herbs that Expel Parasites (Anthelmintics)

PROPERTIES

Taste Temperature Entering Meridians Dosage
Sweet
Neutral
(Warm)
Large Intestine
Stomach
(Spleen)
(Liver)
30-60g
Tapeworm: 60-120g
Schistomiasis: 120-200g

ACTIONS AND INDICATIONS

Actions Indications/Syndromes

Expels parasites and alleviates pain

Tapeworms, roundworms and schistomiasis (used as a stand-alone herb)

Benefits postpartum fluid metabolism

Insufficient lactation

Postpartum swelling of the hands and feet

CONTRAINDICATIONS, INCOMPATIBILITIES AND HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • Excessive consumption clogs the Qi and blocks the diaphragm.
INCOMPATIBILITIES
HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

MAJOR COMBINATIONS

Sm. Arecae
Bing Lang

Peanuts
Sm. Juglandis
Hu Tao Ren

Dislodges and expels tapeworms

Parasites in patients showing signs of malnutrition

 

NOTES

  1. This herb is a modern addition to the pharmacopia.
  2. The pedicle of the plant is used for sores and burns.
  3. Use 120 to 200g of Nan Gua Zi alone for schistosomiasis.
  4. Usually 60-120g of powdered Nan Gua Zi is taken with water, followed two hours later by a decoction of 60-120g od Sm. Arecae Bing Lang and thirty minutes later by 15g of Mirabilitum Mang Xiao taken with water.
  5. Some sources say that this herb harmonizes the Stomach and Spleen, promotes the flow of Qi, kills intestinal parasites, nourishes and moistens, removes Heat and promotes urination to treat diabetes, cestodiasis, ascariasis and postpartum edema of the hands and feet.
  6. One source says not to confuse Red Squash seed with Pumpkin seeds which treat prostatic hypertrophy.