3Gua Lou Ren – Trichosanthes Seed – Semen Trichosanthis

Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed) is a cold, sweet, and bitter herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for moistening the Lungs, transforming phlegm, and lubricating the intestines. It is derived from the mature seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii or Trichosanthes rosthornii and is particularly valued in treating cough with thick, sticky phlegm due to Lung heat or dryness. Gua Lou Ren is also effective for relieving constipation caused by intestinal dryness and can help promote healing of sores and swelling when applied externally.

Functions & Benefits

Moistens the Lungs and Transforms Phlegm
Relieves dry cough with thick, sticky sputum from heat or dryness.

Lubricates the Intestines and Relieves Constipation
Softens stools and restores regular bowel movement in dryness-related constipation.

Reduces Swelling and Promotes Healing
Applied externally to help heal sores, swelling, and breast abscesses.

Clears Heat from the Chest
Eases chest pain and tightness from phlegm-heat obstruction.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with dry cough and sticky phlegm.
✔ People with constipation from dryness in the intestines.
✔ Those with chest pain or tightness from phlegm-heat.
✔ Patients with sores or swelling that need external healing support.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow, greasy coating, or dry with little coating in heat-dryness cases.
Pulse: Slippery and rapid in phlegm-heat, or thin in dryness-related conditions.

Related TCM Patterns
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs – Causes cough, sticky phlegm, and chest discomfort.
Dryness in the Intestines – Leads to constipation and dry stools.
Heat Toxin with Swelling – Produces localized abscesses or boils.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Dry Cough with Sticky Phlegm – Moistens Lungs and loosens sputum.
Dry Constipation – Lubricates intestines and aids elimination.
Breast Abscess or Sores – Clears heat and promotes healing.
Chest Pain from Phlegm-Heat – Relieves discomfort and aids breathing.

Common Herbal Formulas with Gua Lou Ren
Often combined with Gua Lou Pi and Bei Mu for phlegm-heat cough, or with Huo Ma Ren and Bai Zi Ren for constipation from dryness.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of diarrhea from Spleen deficiency.
Not suitable for cold-phlegm cough without heat.
Use with caution during pregnancy.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat moistening foods such as pears, honey, and black sesame seeds.
✔ Avoid overly spicy or greasy foods that increase phlegm-heat.
✔ Stay hydrated to prevent dryness in the Lungs and intestines.
✔ Practice gentle breathing exercises to support Lung function.

Conclusion
Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed) is a cold, sweet, and bitter herb in TCM that moistens the Lungs, transforms phlegm, lubricates the intestines, and promotes healing. It is especially suited for dry cough with sticky phlegm, constipation from dryness, and heat-related swelling.