Nan Gua Zi - 南瓜子 - Semen Cucurbitae Moschatae

Pharmaceutical Latin:	Semen Cucurbitae Moschatae
Common English:	Cushaw Seeds Pumpkin Seeds and Husks Red Squash Seed

Properties

Taste	Temperature	Entering Meridians	Dosage
Sweet	Neutral (Warm)	Large Intestine Stomach (Spleen) (Liver)	30-60g Tapeworm: 60-120g Schistosomiasis: 120-200g The outer shells are usually removed before grinding into powder; take with cold water.

Actions

Indications/Syndromes

Expels parasites and alleviates pain

Tapeworms, roundworms, threadworms, Blood flukes and schistosomiasis (used as a stand-alone herb)

Benefits postpartum fluid metabolism

Insufficient lactation

Postpartum swelling of the hands and feet

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Excessive consumption clogs the Qi and blocks the diaphragm.
Use caution, as it may cause mild digestive side effects such as nausea, poor appetite and diarrhea.
Use caution with long-term use.

INCOMPATIBILITIES

HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

Sm. Arecae Bing Lang	Peanuts Sm. Juglandis Hu Tao Ren
Dislodges and expels tapeworms	Parasites in patients showing signs of malnutrition

The herb is a modern addition to the pharmacopoeia.
Sores and burns are treated with the pedicle of the plant.
For schistosomiasis, use 120 to 200g of Nan Gua Zi on its own.
The usual method is to take 60-120g of powdered Nan Gua Zi with water, then two hours later a decoction of 60-120g of Sm. Arecae Bing Lang, and thirty minutes after that 15g of Natrii Sulfas Mang Xiao with water.
According to some sources, this herb harmonizes the Stomach and Spleen, promotes the flow of Qi, kills intestinal parasites, nourishes and moistens, clears Heat and promotes urination, treating diabetes, cestodiasis, ascariasis and postpartum edema of the hands and feet.
One source cautions against confusing Red Squash seed with Pumpkin seeds, which treat prostatic hypertrophy.