Korean Melon

참외 (甛瓜) · Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino

Heat-clearing food herb (excess caution) Cold Sweet Stomach

NatureCold

TasteSweet

MeridiansStomach

Part usedFruit

FamilyCucurbitaceae

CategoryHeat-clearing food herb (excess caution)

Find by concern: Thirst

Overview

Korean melon (chamoe) is a beloved summer fruit, and the Donguibogam records its thirst-quenching, heat-clearing action — the same reason it is reached for on hot days today — while also carrying an unusually specific warning about which melons to avoid.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性寒, 味甘, 有毒一云無毒. 止渴, 除煩熱, 利小便, 通三焦間壅塞氣. 兼主口鼻瘡.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste sweet, and it has toxicity (some say non-toxic). It stops thirst, removes vexing heat, benefits urination, and unblocks stagnant qi between the triple burner. It also treats sores of the mouth and nose.

Traditional functions

Stops thirst
Clears vexing heat
Benefits urination
Unblocks stagnant qi

Traditional applications

Summer thirst and heat discomfort
Mouth and nose sores
Sluggish urination in hot weather

Traditional preparation

Eaten fresh in season; always check the melon is sound (single stem, single navel, does not sink) before eating.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam gives an unusually specific warning: melons that sink in water, or that have two stems or two navels, can be fatal and must never be eaten. Overeating in general can trigger old cold-type conditions and weaken the limbs. Don't eat raw melon that has been in standing water. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

What specific warning does the Donguibogam give about melons?

It warns explicitly that melons which sink in water, or which have two stems or two navels, can be fatal and must never be eaten — one of the more specific food-safety warnings in the entire text.

What is Korean melon good for according to the classics?

Quenching thirst, clearing vexing heat, benefiting urination, and treating mouth and nose sores — a classic summer heat-relief fruit.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.