Evidence supporting the use of: Wax Gourd
For the health condition: Cough (damp)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Wax Gourd (Benincasa hispida), also known as Winter Melon or Dong Gua, is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to address conditions characterized as "dampness," including coughs associated with phlegm or excess moisture in the lungs. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wax Gourd is believed to have cooling and dampness-resolving properties, and its seeds and flesh are sometimes included in herbal formulations intended to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and relieve coughs of a damp nature. Ancient Chinese medical texts, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing, reference Dong Gua’s use for “damp-heat” conditions of the lung and respiratory tract.

However, scientific research directly supporting Wax Gourd’s efficacy for cough (especially “damp” cough, a TCM concept) is limited. While some studies explore its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological studies specifically investigating its effects on cough in humans. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by longstanding tradition rather than rigorous scientific validation. The evidence rating is moderate (2), reflecting traditional endorsement and some supportive but indirect pharmacological data.

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