Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

Mu Bie Zi - 木鳖子 - Semen Momordicae

Pharmaceutical Latin: Semen Momordicae
Common English: Cochin Bitter Melon Seeds
Momordica Seeds

Category

Substances for Topical Application

Properties

Taste Temperature Entering Meridians Dosage
Bitter
Slightly Sweet
Warm
Toxic
Large Intestine
Liver
Stomach
(Lung)
Pills and powders: 0.5-1.5g
Tincture: 0.1-0.25ml

Actions And Indications

Actions Indications/Syndromes

Resolves toxicity and reduces swellings

Topically for toxic swellings, breast abscesses, non-healing sores and scrofula

Hemorrhoids

Reduces swelling and invigorates the Blood

Topically for swelling and pain due falls, fractures, contusions and sprains

Topically for low back pain due to Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao

Contraindications, Incompatibilities And Herb/Drug Interactions

CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • Contraindicated during pregnancy and in the debilitated.
  • Contraindicated for weak patients.
INCOMPATIBILITIES
HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

Major Combinations

Rx. Scutellariae
Huang Qin
Cx. Phellodendri
Huang Bai
Rx. Trichosanthis
Tian Hua Fen

Fr. Crotonis
Ba Dou
Olibanum
Ru Xiang
Alumen
Ming Fan

Rx. Sophorae Tonkinensis
Shan Dou Gen

Topically for longstanding red, swollen, hot and painful abscesses.

Topically for pus-filled sores that will not break open.

As a powder for pain and swelling of the throat.

Vinegar

Sulfur
Liu Huang
Calomelas
Qing Fen

Ground up and applied to the affected area for pain and swelling of the teeth and gums.

Acne and rosacea.

Notes

  1. Defatted Momordica Mu Bie Zi Shuang is less toxic and is used for internal consumption, generally as a pill or powder.
  2. In Taiwan it is a folk medicine for syphilis, snakebite, trauma and anal pain.

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.