Winter Melon Seed
Winter Melon Seed (Dong Gua Zi): A Cooling Herb for Phlegm, Damp-Heat, and Skin Health
Introduction
Winter melon seed, known as Dong Gua Zi (冬瓜子) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a cold, sweet herb valued for clearing heat, expelling phlegm, and promoting the discharge of pus. It is especially used in conditions involving lung phlegm-heat, intestinal abscesses, and damp-heat in the lower burner. In addition to respiratory and digestive uses, it also benefits the skin by helping resolve sores and swellings.
What Is Winter Melon Seed?
Dong Gua Zi comes from the dried seeds of Benincasa hispida (winter melon or wax gourd). In TCM, it is classified as sweet and cold, entering the Lung, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine meridians. Its cooling and moistening nature makes it especially useful for phlegm-heat and damp-heat conditions without being overly harsh.
Health Benefits of Winter Melon Seed
Clears heat and expels phlegm – Effective for lung heat with thick, yellow phlegm, cough, or chest congestion.
Drains damp-heat and promotes pus discharge – Used for intestinal abscesses, sores, or skin infections with pus.
Moistens the intestines – Supports bowel regularity, especially in cases of heat-induced dryness.
Supports skin health – Helps with acne, boils, and damp-heat-related skin eruptions.
How to Use Winter Melon Seed
As a decoction – Commonly simmered for phlegm-heat cough or intestinal abscess support.
Crushed for medicinal use – Seeds are often lightly crushed before decoction to release their medicinal oils.
In formulas – Paired with Yi Yi Ren, Bai Jiang Cao, or Dong Gua Ren (the kernel) for stronger damp-heat clearing effects.
Where to Buy Winter Melon Seed
Available in TCM herbal shops – Typically sold as dried, white, flat oval seeds.
Asian grocery stores – Found as dried food-grade seeds that can also be used medicinally.
Look for: clean, plump seeds with a mild nutty aroma, free from mold or spoilage.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Winter melon seed is safe and mild when used properly. Due to its cold nature, it should be avoided in cases of cold phlegm, loose stools, or Spleen yang deficiency. Overuse may cause digestive upset in those with weak digestion.
Conclusion
Winter melon seed (Dong Gua Zi) is a cooling, sweet herb that clears phlegm-heat from the lungs, drains damp-heat from the intestines, and supports skin health by resolving pus and toxins. With its gentle yet effective action, it is widely used in TCM formulas for respiratory, digestive, and skin-related damp-heat conditions.
FAQ
Can winter melon seed help with cough? – Yes, especially for phlegm-heat cough with thick yellow sputum.
Is it safe for daily use? – It can be used in moderate amounts, but is best reserved for heat and damp-heat conditions.
Can it help with skin problems? – Yes, it is used for acne, sores, or abscesses with pus caused by damp-heat.