Semen Cucurbitae

Naming

Nan Gua Zi (Semen Cucurbitae)——Xian Dai Shi Yong Zhong Yao Yue (Modern Practical Materia Medica)

1. Nan Gua Zi
2. 南瓜子
3. Pumpkin Seed
4. Cushaw Seed

The Processing of Semen Cucurbitae

Origin

The seed of Cucurbita moschata Duch. of family Cucurbitaceae.

Location

Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces in China.

Harvest

Collected in summer and autumn when the fruit is mature.

The actual smell and taste

Mild smell and light sweet.

Best quality

Big, full, yellowish white crust and fresh.

Processing

Dried in the sun; ground into powder, unprocessed

The Effect of Semen Cucurbitae

Property

Sweet, neutral; stomach and large intestine meridians entered.

Actions

Expel parasites.

Indications

Taeniasis

This herb is sweet and neutral, and can kill parasitic worms without healthy qi damage. It is good at expelling tapeworm, and is reinforced by Bing Lang. First take 60~120 g powder of this herb with cold water, take 60~120 g Bing Lang decoction 2 hours later, then take Mang Xiao half an hour later to promote purgation and expel parasites bodies.
In addition, it also can treat schistosomiasis but should in large dose (120~200 g) and be taken longer.

Dosage and Administrations

Grind into powder, 60~120 g. Take with cold water.