INDIVIDUAL HERBS
| Pharmaceutical Latin: | Semen Cucurbitae Moschatae |
| Common English: | Pumpkin Seeds and Husks Red Squash Seed Cushaw Seeds |
Herbs that Expel Parasites (Anthelmintics)
| Taste | Temperature | Entering Meridians | Dosage |
Sweet |
Neutral (Warm) |
Large Intestine Stomach (Spleen) (Liver) |
30-60g Tapeworm: 60-120g Schistosomiasis: 120-200g |
| Actions | Indications/Syndromes |
Expels parasites and alleviates pain |
Tapeworms, roundworms, threadworms, Blood flukes and schistosomiasis (used as a stand-alone herb) |
Benefits postpartum fluid metabolism |
Insufficient lactation Postpartum swelling of the hands and feet |
CONTRAINDICATIONS |
|
INCOMPATIBILITIES |
HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS |
Sm. Arecae |
Peanuts |
|
Dislodges and expels tapeworms |
Parasites in patients showing signs of malnutrition |
|
- This herb is a modern addition to the pharmacopoeia.
- The pedicle of the plant is used for sores and burns.
- Use 120 to 200g of Nan Gua Zi alone for schistosomiasis.
- Usually 60-120g of powdered Nan Gua Zi is taken with water, followed two hours later by a decoction of 60-120g of Sm. Arecae Bing Lang and thirty minutes later by 15g of Natrii Sulfas Mang Xiao taken with water.
- 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.
- One source says not to confuse Red Squash seed with Pumpkin seeds which treat prostatic hypertrophy.