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White gourd
Simplified Chinese: 鍐摐 Pinyin: d艒ng gu膩
White gourd is a common summer food native to China. Apart from its use in Chinese cuisines, white gourd is also an effective herb in TCM that helps dispel pathogenic heat.
White gourd is called dong gua in Chinese, which means winter melon. Though maturing in summer, white gourd is named for winter because it often carries a layer of white powder resembling frost.
It had been planted and used by Chinese since ancient times. Record of the herb can be found in Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Herbal Classic) from the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220).
According to Shennong’s Herbal Classic, white gourd is a mildly “cold” food in TCM that travels through the lung, large instestine, small intestine and bladder meridians. It can help dispel pathogenic heat and dampness, nourish lungs, dissolve phlegm, promote urination, and relieve thirstiness.
It can be applied both orally and externally. Applying white gourd pieces on sunburn or heat rash can help relieve pain and itchiness quickly.
Modern research also found it effective in relieving high blood pressure and diabetes. White gourd is also a great weight-loss helper. It can also work as a skin treatment. Washing face and body with soft white gourd flesh can help remove imperfections.
Prescriptions & Usage:
White gourd and kelp soup
Chop 250g white gourd and 250g kelp. Pan-fry with garlic. Cook in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Add salt, green onion, and ginger slices to season.
Benefits: Dispels pathogenic heat, promotes urination, reduces blood fat and cholestrol, relieves high blood pressure and aids weight loss.
White gourd and mushroom soup
Chop 120g white gourd and 80g fresh mushroom. Cook in boiling water. Add green onion and ginger slices when almost done. Add salt and sesame oil.
Benefits: Dispels pathogenic heat, relieves thirstiness and perfects skin.
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