Tian Hua Fen – Trichosanthes Root – Radix Trichosanthis

Tian Hua Fen

English Name: trichosanthes root, snake gourd root

Literal Translation: “heavenly flower powder”

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Tricosanthis

Medica Category: Heat-Clearing and Fire-Purging Herbs

Properties: Tian Hua Fen enters the Lung and Stomach channels; it is bitter and slightly sweet in nature and cold in temperature.

What is Tian Hua Fen?:

The Chinese Herb Tian Hua Fen is the dried root of the Chinese cucumber (trichosanthes). The roots are dug up in the late fall or winter, cleaned and peeled before being sliced and sun-dried for use as medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Tian Hua Fen:

Tian Hua Fen clears Lung and Stomach heat and generates body fluids. It is well used to moisten the Lung when excess heat is drying up body fluids and damaging Lung yin.

Tian Hua Fen is used in the formula Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang to generate fluids for treating wasting and thirsting syndrome (Xiao Ke), marked by excessive thirst and excessive water intake.

Tian Hua Fen clears heat and dispels pus and is commonly used to treat abscesses and ulcerations rooted in toxic heat/infection.

Tian Hua Fen is contraindicated during pregnancy.