Mù Guā (木瓜) — Chinese Quince Fruit
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1. Overview
Mù Guā (木瓜) — Chaenomeles speciosa fruit, the Chinese quince — is one of the most useful herbs for relaxing the sinews and transforming Damp. It belongs to the category of Herbs that dispel Wind-Damp. Note: despite the English name, this is not the tropical papaya. It is widely used for calf cramps, leg pain and oedema with Damp, and is a small but key herb in many Bi-syndrome formulas.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Mù Guā |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 木瓜 |
| Latin name | Chaenomeles speciosa |
| English name | Chinese quince |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sour |
| Channels entered | Liver, Spleen |
| Category | Herbs that dispel Wind-Damp |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels
- Harmonises the Stomach and transforms Damp
- Reduces summerheat Damp
Indications
- Painful calf cramps, especially nocturnal
- Heaviness, painful obstruction and weakness of the lower limbs from Damp
- Atrophy disorders (Wei syndrome) of the lower body
- Vomiting and diarrhoea from summerheat-Damp
- Oedema and Beriberi-type leg swelling
4. Key formulas containing Mù Guā
- Mu Gua Tang — leg pain from Damp
- San Bi Tang — Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome
- Ji Ming San — leg Qi and damp leg swelling
5. Cautions
Avoid in patients with hyperacidity or peptic ulcer disease (the herb is acid). Avoid in interior Heat-Damp. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Mu Gua within tailored formulas for nocturnal calf cramps, restless legs, joint pain and lower limb oedema. I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available.
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