Formula Composition

Gua Di

Chi Xiao Dou

Dan Dou Chi

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King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Assistant

Supports

Formula Formulas that induce vomiting

Gua Di San

瓜蒂散

Also known as:

Melon Stalk Powder

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Discharges Phlegm or food stagnation through vomiting

Patterns Treated

Food Stagnation in the Stomach, Phlegm in Chest

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Gua Di San

Main Actions

Discharges Phlegm or food stagnation through vomiting

Key TCM Concepts

Gua Di San is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Melon Stalks (Gua Di ) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that induce vomiting. Its main action is that it discharges Phlegm or food stagnation through vomiting .

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

In this case Gua Di San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Food Stagnation in the Stomach or Phlegm in Chest. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as oral ingestion of poisons, acute gastritis or neuroses for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Food Stagnation in the Stomach
Phlegm in Chest

Common Applications

Oral ingestion of poisons Acute gastritis Neuroses

Ingredients in Gua Di San

Detailed information about each herb in Gua Di San and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Assistants

Gua Di

Melon stalks

Temperature Cold

Taste Bitter

Organ Affinity Stomach

Parts Used The pedicle

Role in Gua Di San

In general Gua Di 's main actions are as follows: "Inducing vomiting to expel Phlegm Heat or stagnant food. Dispels Damp-Heat and relieves jaundice. "

In the context of Gua Di San, it is used because it is bitter and effectively induces vomiting to eliminate the Phlegm or stagnant food.

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Chi Xiao Dou

Adzuki beans

Temperature Neutral

Taste Sour, Sweet

Organ Affinity Heart, Small Intestine

Parts Used Dried ripe fruits

Role in Gua Di San

In general Chi Xiao Dou's main actions are as follows: "Expels dampness by facilitating urination. Activates Blood circulation and detoxifies. Reduces swelling and expels pus."

In the context of Gua Di San, it is used because it expels Dampness and eliminates the irritability and fullness.

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Dan Dou Chi

Fermented soybeans

Temperature Cool

Taste Bitter, Pungent

Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach

Parts Used Fermented preparation obtain from the ripe bean

Role in Gua Di San

Dan Dou Chi has a light and clear nature that unbinds the Stagnation in the chest and helps resolve problems in that area. Together with Adzuki beans, it harmonizes the Stomach Qi and helps improve the injury to the normal Qi caused by vomiting.

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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gua Di San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Because Melon stalk is a cold, bitter, and toxic herb that can injure the Stomach Qi and normal Qi, this formula should be used with caution in weak patients. It is contraindicated when the Phlegm is not in the chest or when stagnant food has already passed into the intestines. If the formula causes unremitting vomiting, take 0.3-0.6g of Cloves, or one-tenth that amount of Musk.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Gua Di San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.