Gua Lou Zi (Trichosanthes kirilowii) — Dried Food-Herb Seeds for Tea & Soup

Gua Lou Zi (Trichosanthes kirilowii) are the dried mature seeds of a traditional food herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Guā Lóu Zǐ (瓜蒌子), also called Trichosanthes Seed or Snake Gourd Seed. For centuries, Gua Lou Zi has been prized as a moistening, qi-guiding, and phlegm-transforming herb, traditionally used to soothe the Lung, ease the chest, and support smooth movement of qi. Its nature is sweet and slightly cold, making it a gentle yet effective herb for moistening dryness and calming the upper body.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional Lung-moistening food herb
• Dried Gua Lou Zi seeds, new-crop quality
• Trichosanthes kirilowii botanical identity
• Suitable for tea, soup, and congee
• Sourced from Anhui, China

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully cleaned and sun-dried to preserve its pale brown color, smooth oval shape, and mild nutty aroma. When decocted or simmered, the seeds release a gentle, slightly sweet and earthy flavor with a soft, oily texture, adding body to broths and teas without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Chinese-style soup and broth
• Herbal tea blends
• Congee and grain porridge
• Seasonal slow-cooking
• Soup-pack ingredient

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Gua Lou Zi is decocted into soups, congee, and gentle tonics to support daily nourishment during dry seasons. It is a common ingredient in Lung-moistening soup packs, where it pairs with ingredients like lily bulb, apricot kernel, and honey. As a tea, it is brewed alone or blended with chrysanthemum and mulberry leaf for a light, mildly sweet infusion.

FAQ Q&A