Pinyin: Tianguadi
Aliases
Guadi, Guading, Kudingxiang, Tianguaba.
Source
Cucurbitaceae plant *Cucumis melo* L.Cucumis meloL. of dried fruit stalk.
Botanical Description
See under the "Tianguazi" entry.
Harvesting and Processing
Harvest mature fruits in summer. Collect the fruit stems cut off when eating, and dry them in the shade or in the sun.
Medicinal Properties
This product is slender cylindrical, often twisted, 3-6 cm long, 0.2-0.4 cm in diameter, slightly enlarged at the end connecting to the melon, about 8 mm in diameter, with longitudinal grooves; the outer surface is grayish-yellow with sparse short hairs. The pedicel with fruit skin is relatively short, 0.3-2.6 cm long, slightly curved or twisted, with longitudinal grooves; the fruit skin part is nearly disc-shaped, about 2 cm in diameter, the outer surface is dark yellow to brownish-yellow, wrinkled, with thin and inwardly curled edges, and the inner surface is yellowish-white to brown. The pedicel is relatively tough, not easily broken, with a fibrous fracture and a hollow center. Odor: faint; Taste: bitter.
Chemical Constituents
This product mainly contains amino acids, cucurbitacin B, cucurbitacin D, cucurbitacin E, and isocucurbitacin B.α- Spinasterol and other constituents.
Pharmacology
Protects the liver; anticancer; enhances cellular immune function; anti-inflammatory and contraceptive; emetic.
Properties and Channel Entry
Bitter, cold; toxic. Enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver channels.
Functions and Indications
Induces vomiting to expel phlegm and food stasis, eliminates Dampness and treats jaundice
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decocted in water, 3-6 g; or made into pills or powder, 0.3-1.5 g. External: appropriate amount, ground into powder and insufflated into the nose.
Precautions and Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of general deficiency, blood loss, and upper body conditions without excess pathogenic factors. This product is toxic and should not be taken in large doses; overdose may easily lead to dizziness, blurred vision, epigastric discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, dehydration may cause electrolyte imbalance, ultimately leading to circulatory failure and respiratory center paralysis, resulting in death.
Prescriptions
1. For toothache: Tianguadi (muskmelon pedicel) 7 pieces. Dry-fry until yellow, grind into powder, mix with Shexiang (musk), wrap in fresh silk, and bite down on the affected tooth. (From *Shengji Zonglu*, Guadi San). 2. For hearing loss: Tianguadi (muskmelon pedicel), Shexiang (musk, ground), Dilong (earthworm), and Diding (Corydalis bungeana) 15 g each. Grind the four ingredients into a powder. Apply a small amount into the ear. (From *Shengji Zonglu*, Di Sheng San). 3. For malaria: Tianguadi (muskmelon pedicel) 14 pieces. Pound and soak in water overnight, then take orally. (From *Qianjin Yaofang*). 4. For various hemorrhoids: Tianguadi (muskmelon pedicel, powdered) 9 g, Mituoseng (litharge) 6 g (grind separately), Zhusha (cinnabar) 1.5 g, and a little Bingpian (borneol). Mix into a powder, blend with saliva, and apply externally. (From *Guijin Yitong Daquan*).
