SHE GAN

 

Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. (Fam. Iridaceae)

1. Root-tuber; 2. leaves; 3. Branch with flflowers; 4. Fruit; 5. Opened fruit

 

Exocarpium Benincasae

Chinese waxgourd peel, winter melon

Part Used :

Dried exocarp.

Exocarpium Benincasae is grown in every part in China. It is collected in summer and autumn, dried in sunlight, and used unprepared. Sweet in taste, slightly cold in property, acts on the Lung and Small Intestine channels.

Functions

Diuretic, relieves edema, clears Pathogenic Heat.

Clinical Use

For generalized edema with Excess Heat, it is used with Semen Phaseoli Calcarati (Chi Xiao Dou), Rhizoma Imperatae (Bai Mao Gen), and Sclerotium Poriae Cocos (Fu Ling). But its function is milder than that of most other herbs that can induce diuresis.

 

Dosage : 15 - 30 g, decocted in water for an oral dose.

Prercautions

None noted.