Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Trichosanthis Semen |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 瓜蔞仁 · Gua Lou Ren |
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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 ripe seed 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, Large Intestine |
What Is Gua Lou Ren?
Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Henan and Hebei.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine
Gua Lou Ren: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Trichosanthis Semen
Botanical Origin
The dried ripe seed of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms (Cucurbitaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Henan and Hebei.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is full, oily, and free of rancid odor.
Macroscopic Features
Flattened ovate seeds, 1.2~1.5cm long; seed coat pale brown to brown; kernel greenish-white and oily.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet; ColdLungStomachLarge Intestine
Traditional Functions
Moistens the lung, transforms phlegm-heat, moistens the intestines, and unblocks the bowels. Apply to cough with sticky yellow phlegm, chest bind, and constipation.
How Gua Lou Ren Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Gua Lou Ren is classified among the Phlegm-resolving herbs. It appears in 2 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Gua Lou Ren are traditionally used for:
Chest TightnessExcessive MucusDry CoughSore Throat
Classical Formulas Containing Gua Lou Ren
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gua Lou Ren? Are whole Gua Lou, Gua Lou Pi and Tian Hua Fen the same?
Official Gua Lou Zi (瓜蒌子), commonly called Gua Lou Ren (瓜蒌仁), is the dried ripe seed of Trichosanthes kirilowii or Trichosanthes rosthornii. The pharmacopoeial name is Trichosanthis Semen. Whole Gua Lou is the fruit: clears heat, washes phlegm, eases the chest, disperses nodules, moistens dryness and slips the intestines. Gua Lou Pi leans to clearing heat, transforming phlegm, moving qi and easing the chest. Tian Hua Fen is the root: clears heat, drains fire, generates fluid and stops thirst. Write Gua Lou Zi or Gua Lou Ren. It antagonizes aconite.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Gua Lou Ren?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Gua Lou Zi is sweet and cold, enters the Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine channels, and acts to moisten the Lung, transform phlegm, slip the intestines and free the stool. It is used for dry cough with sticky phlegm and intestinal dryness with constipation. Sweet, cold and moistening, it suits dry phlegm and intestinal dryness—not Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold or loose stool.
How do you choose raw, dry-fried and defatted seed? Can the peel replace it?
Raw seed moistens the intestines more strongly and should be crushed for decoction. Dry-frying reduces the slipping action. A weak Stomach with loose stool favors the defatted frost. The peel eases the chest and does not slip the intestines; it cannot replace freeing the stool by equal weight. Commercial seed oil is not equal-weight pieces.
Read the complete guide →
Learn More About Gua Lou Ren
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Gua Lou Ren.
Read the Gua Lou Ren Guide →
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.