Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Trichosanthis Pericarpium |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 瓜蔞皮 · Gua Lou Pi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Phlegm-resolving |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried pericarp of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms (Cucurbitaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Stomach |
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What Is Gua Lou Pi?
Gua Lou Pi (Mongolian Snakegourd Peel) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach
Gua Lou Pi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Trichosanthis Pericarpium
Botanical Origin
The dried pericarp of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms (Cucurbitaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.
Quality Requirements
Superior material is orange-yellow, thick and unscorched.
Macroscopic Features
Pericarp split into two halves, bowl-shaped, 6~12 cm long, 2~4 cm wide; outer surface orange-yellow or orange-red, lustrous, with occasional residual fruit stalk; inner surface yellowish-white, with reticulate vascular bundles; texture light, brittle; slight fragrance; slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet; ColdLungStomach
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and resolves phlegm, moves qi and widens the chest.
How Gua Lou Pi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Gua Lou Pi is classified among the Phlegm-resolving herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
