Gua Lou Pi – 瓜蒌皮

Gua Lou Pi – 瓜蒌皮
Latin name: Pericarpium Trichosanthis
Common name: Trichosanthis Peel / Snake Gourd Peel
Part used: Peel (pericarp)
Traditional meridian affiliation: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine

Gua Lou Pi (瓜蒌皮) is the dried peel (outer layer) of the snake gourd (Trichosanthes species). In traditional Chinese medicine it belongs to the “herbs that clear heat and transform phlegm” category. Its nature is cold and its flavour is sweet. Its main functions are:

• Clearing and moistening the Lungs while resolving phlegm-heat

• Regulating and expanding the chest, relieving chest oppression

• Promoting the movement of Qi and dissipating nodules or masses

Clinically, Gua Lou Pi is used in patterns featuring cough with thick yellow sputum, difficulty expectorating, stifling chest sensation, or clumping in the chest or breasts (e.g. early-stage abscess). It may also assist in lowering qi stagnation and softening nodules.

Phoenix Medical’s Gua Lou Pi is cultivated under DaoDi principles in its classical origin areas. It is grown free of synthetic herbicides and pesticides, dried without the use of sulphur, and processed in GMP-certified facilities. Each batch is traceable and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with EU and UK standards of purity, safety, and potency.