Use of Xi Gua (watermelons) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: This is typically the fruit eaten fresh
Dosage: 9 - 30 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Treats Summer-Heat and thirst. Brings on urination.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Xi Gua may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Excessive thirst Urinary difficulties Jaundice Scanty urination
Contraindications*: Watermelon should be avoided by those who have either Damp or Cold conditions or a combination of both.
Common TCM formulas in which Xi Gua is used*
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Source date: 1852 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Formula key actions: Clears summerheat. Augments the Qi. Nourishes the Yin. Generates Body Fluids.
Conditions targeted*: HyperthermiaHeat stroke and others
Xi Gua is a king ingredient in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, Xi Gua is an important substance for clearing Heat and releasing Summer-Heat.
Qing Luo Yin
Source date: 1798
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Formula key actions: Resolves Summer-Heat. Clears the Lungs.
Conditions targeted*: HyperthermiaHeatstroke and others
Xi Gua is a deputy ingredient in Qing Luo Yin. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Qing Luo Yin, Xi Gua relieves Summer-Heat, stops thirst, and generates fluids.
Key TCM concepts behind Xi Gua's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Xi Gua belongs to the 'Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat' category. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as 'Internal Heat' in TCM. This is why most of the herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. In TCM one has too much 'Internal Heat' in their body as a result of a deficiency of 'Yin' (which is Cold in nature, see our explanation on Yin and Yang) or, more commonly, an Excess of Yang (Hot in nature). Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire treat the latter and as such tend to be Cold or Neutral in nature.
As suggested by its category Xi Gua is Cold in nature. This means that Xi Gua typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Xi Gua can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Xi Gua also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Xi Gua tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Xi Gua is thought to target the Bladder, the Stomach and the Heart. In TCM the impure water collected by the Kidneys that cannot be used by the body is sent to the Bladder for storage and excretion as urine. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to regulating Blood flow, the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality.
Use of Xi Gua as food
Xi Gua is also eaten as food.