$6.95 USA Shipping • 90-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Home » Mu Gua – Papaya – Fructus Chaenomelis

Mu Gua – Papaya – Fructus Chaenomelis

Mu Gua

English Name: papaya

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Chaenomelis

Medica Category: Wind Damp Dispelling Herbs – Channel and Collateral Opening Herbs

Properties: Mu Gua enters the Liver and Spleen channels; it is sour in nature and warm in temperature.

What is Mu Gua?:

The Chinese Herb Mu Gua is papaya fruit (Chaenomeles lagenaria (Loisel.) Koidz.; Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne). It can be eaten fresh or dried and used “as an herb” in formula.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Mu Gua:

Mu Gua is sour in nature and contains digestive enzymes; this leads into its function of addressing food stagnation/incomplete digestion. Mu Gua also promotes gastric secretions (i.e. the production of stomach acid) in cases where the gastric glands have atrophied. This function is relatively mild and will not overcome chronic poor digestion (as, for example, from a history of the use of proton-pump inhibitors), but as food it can lend a nice assist to the digestive process.

Mu Gua is warm without being drying in nature; and entering the Liver channel it nourishes the muscles and tendons to address musculoskeletal issues involving cramping, spams, and stiffness (most effectively in the lower part of the body). This is known as bi zheng (painful obstruction syndrome) in the language of Chinese medicine.

Mu Gua dissolve dampness from the Stomach and Spleen to address nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.

Latest Blog Posts

  • Are Chinese Herbs Safe to Take During Pregnancy?

    Pregnancy is a time of transformation, growth, and, perhaps most importantly, careful decision-making.  Many expecting mothers look for natural ways to support their health and well-being during this important time in their lives – and Chinese herbs for pregnancy may be one of those natural solutions.  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wealth of herbal…

  • 4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine
    4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine

    Hoping to grow your family naturally, but not sure where to start? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fertility advice, Chinese herbs for fertility may offer the support you need.  Chinese medicine has been used successfully for centuries to help women enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy. Through acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork, qi gong, meditation, dietary therapy,…

  • Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms
    Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms

    Are hot flashes catching you off guard at the worst times? There’s nothing more irritating than a flush coming on during important meetings, your favorite workouts, or even while you’re trying to sleep.  If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Hot flashes are one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of menopause, affecting up…