Wax Gourd
Wax Gourd (동아, 白冬瓜) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a water-draining, heat-clearing food herb. Its nature is slightly cold and its taste sweet, associated with the Lung, Small Intestine, Bladder meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include resolves accumulated heat, reduces water-swelling, benefits the intestines. Caution: The Donguibogam notes it suits those with heat conditions, but that eating it while already cold-constituted can cause weight loss; those with chronic illness or yin-deficiency should avoid it per the classics.
Overview
Wax gourd is a mild, watery vegetable used in Korean soups, and the Donguibogam explains its name precisely: after frost, the young green skin turns powdery white like applied flour — hence "white winter melon." Its core action of resolving heat accumulation and reducing swelling matches its continued use as a cooling, hydrating vegetable.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Resolves accumulated heat
- Reduces water-swelling
- Benefits the intestines
- Calms vexation
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Wasting-thirst pattern (diabetes-like symptoms)
- Water retention and swelling
- Heat accumulation with irritability
Traditional preparation
Cooked in soups and stews; the seed is separately noted for skin benefits, and the vine and leaf for external washing use.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called "white winter melon"?
The Donguibogam explains that after frost, the young green skin develops a powdery white coating like applied flour — giving the fruit its name (白冬瓜, "white winter melon").
Who should avoid wax gourd according to the classics?
The text notes it suits heat conditions but can cause weight loss in those with a cold constitution, and recommends avoidance for those with chronic illness or yin-deficiency.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조