Ground Melon, also known as Sheep's Milk Fruit or Small Cucumber, is harvested in summer and autumn, washed, and dried. It is used to treat postpartum qi deficiency and insufficient milk production. Traditional Chinese Medicine will guide you through the pictures to understand Ground Melon! Here are the details:
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Original Form of Ground Melon
1. The stem branches from the base. The leaves are opposite or nearly opposite; the leaf blades are linear, 3-5cm long and 2-5mm wide, with raised midribs on the lower surface.
Umbellate inflorescences axillary; calyx hairy on the outside; corolla green-white; corolla lobes cup-shaped, triangular-lanceolate in shape, gradually closing, higher than the membranous lobes of the locule.
Ground Melon Image
Fruit oblong-cylindrical, gradually pointed at the apex, swollen in the middle, 5-6cm long, and about 2cm in diameter.
Seeds flat, dark brown, up to 8mm long, with white silky hairs up to 2cm long.
Flowering period is from May to August, fruiting period is from August to October.
Ground Melon Image
2. Bird Gourd is similar to the original species with weak stems and fewer branches. The stem tip usually elongates and twines.
Leaves are linear or linear-ovate; flowers are smaller and more numerous.
Flowering period is from March to August, fruiting period is from May to October.
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Habitat and Distribution of Ground Melon
Ecological Environment
1. It grows on slopes, sand dunes, or dry valleys, wastelands, and field edges at altitudes of 200-2000m.
2. It grows on the sides of ditches and riverbanks or in shrubs or grasslands on slopes or roadsides.
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Distribution
1. It is distributed in Northeast China, North China, Henan, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong, Anhui, Gansu, Xinjiang, Jiangsu, and other places.
2. It is distributed in Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, and other places.
Treatment with Ground Melon
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① Treatment for Qi and Blood Deficiency
One or two liang of Ground Melon whole herb, two liang of Astragalus membranaceus. Decoct in water and take orally.
② Treatment for Nervous System Fatigue
One jin of Ground Melon whole herb. Decoct and extract the juice, drink twice a day, with the effect of beating eggs and the effect and function of tea.
③ Treatment for Sore Throat
One or two liang of Ground Melon (two liang of whole herb). Decoct in water and take orally, or chew fresh fruit. (The properties and tastes are taken from the "Henan Chinese Herbal Medicine Handbook")
