Wax Gourd

동아 (白冬瓜) · Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.

Water-draining, heat-clearing food herb Slightly cold Sweet Lung, Small Intestine, Bladder

NatureSlightly cold

TasteSweet

MeridiansLung, Small Intestine, Bladder

Part usedFruit

FamilyCucurbitaceae

CategoryWater-draining, heat-clearing food herb

Find by concern: Edema Thirst

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

東醫
寶鑑

性微寒一云冷, 味甘, 無毒. 主三消渴疾. 解積熱, 利大小腸, 壓丹石毒, 除水脹, 止心煩.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is slightly cold (some say cool), its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats the three wasting-thirst disorders. It resolves accumulated heat, benefits the large and small intestines, suppresses mineral-drug toxicity, removes water-swelling, and stops vexation in the heart.

Traditional functions

Resolves accumulated heat
Reduces water-swelling
Benefits the intestines
Calms vexation

Traditional applications

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.

Cautions

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. Consult a professional for concentrated use.

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 (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.