Tiān Huā Fěn (天花粉) — Trichosanthes Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Tiān Huā Fěn (天花粉) is the dried root of Trichosanthes kirilowii, the same plant whose fruit is used as Guā Lóu. It belongs to the category of Herbs that drain Fire and generate fluids in the Chinese Materia Medica and is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine for Heat injuring fluids, dry cough, abscesses and Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst, diabetes) patterns.
I prescribe Tiān Huā Fěn as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Tiān Huā Fěn |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 天花粉 |
| Latin name | Trichosanthes kirilowii (root) |
| English name | Trichosanthes root |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, slightly bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Stomach |
| Category | Herbs that drain Fire and generate fluids |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and generates fluids
- Transforms phlegm and moistens the Lung
- Disperses sores and reduces swelling
Indications
- Heat injuring fluids with marked thirst, dry mouth and a peeled red tongue
- Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst) patterns within diabetes
- Dry cough with little, sticky phlegm from Lung Heat
- Heat-toxin abscesses and breast sores (used in combination with herbs that resolve toxicity)
4. Modern research
Trichosanthes root contains a unique ribosome-inactivating protein called trichosanthin, alongside polysaccharides, triterpenoid saponins and amino acids. Trichosanthin has been investigated for antiviral, immunomodulatory and selective cytotoxic activity (notably against HIV-infected cells and certain tumour cell lines in research settings). Standard oral herbal use does not deliver trichosanthin systemically in the same way as the purified extracted form. The whole-herb decoction has documented antitussive, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy — trichosanthin has uterine-active properties and the herb is traditionally proscribed in pregnancy. Use with caution alongside anticoagulants and in patients with cold-deficient Spleen patterns. Traditionally considered incompatible with Wū Tóu (aconite).
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Tiān Huā Fěn as part of tailored herbal formulas for marked dryness and thirst patterns, dry cough from Lung Heat, and selected Heat-toxin presentations. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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