Melo, Melon

Tukhm Kharpaza (Cucumis melo, Melon seed) (Unani)
Tukhm Khyarzah (Cucumis melo var: utilissimus, Long melon seed) (Unani)

Parkinson, Theatrum Botanicum, 1640

Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Several varieties of Melon
Lustgarten der Gesundtheit, Ryff, 1546 

Icones Plantarum Medcio-oeconomico, Vietz, 1804

Decorticated Melon seed
(Calcutta Unani College, Adam, 2019)

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Botanical name:

Several varieties of Cucumis spp.:
  1. C. melo
  2. Cucumis melo subsp. melo
  3. Cucumis melo var. utilissmus
A number of varieties and cultivars are used.
Salmon listed 4 European types, as well as an American variety. The Traditional European varieties listed are:
  1. Common Musk Melon
  2. Spasnish Musk Melon
  3. Pear-shaped Melon
  4. Sugar Musk Melon

Parts used:

Seed kernel

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, moist. Sweet
“Cold in the First and Moist in the last of the Second degree. The dried seeds, however, do not remain moist but acquire dryness of the second degree“. (Avicenna)

Uses:

1. Clears Heat, Benefits Yin:
-one of the 4 Greater Cold seeds
-Heat of the Blood and Choler (Bile) disease
-Heat and Burning Fevers, and the Thirst which comes from it
-Liver Heat
-Cough, Consumption
-used in Yin tonics; Wasting

2. Clears Heat and Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Diuretic, opening, allays sharpness, cleanses the Kidneys and Bladder
-hot, sharp and burning Urine; Strangury
-Hematuria
-also reduces Lust (by cooling Kidneys)
-“The benefit is greater in case of Kidney Stones”. (Avicenna)

Dose:

Of the Seed in Powder: 1–3 grams, up to 6 grams

Correctives:

“It is advisable that after taking melon the persons with Hot temperament should take Frankincense, Ginger (preserved in honey or candy) and old fragrant wine”. (Avicenna)

Substitute:

Other Cold Seed can be used in Place of Musk Melon seed

Main Combinations:

Usually used with the other Cold Seeds.

1. Burning Fever, Musk Melon Juice (1–2 spoonfuls) mixed with Syrup of Violets
2. Obstructed Urine, Musk Melon seed with Celery seed, Carrot seed, Fennel seed, Indian Spikenard, Bitter Almond (as in Pills of Seed)

Major Formulas:

Pills of Seeds (Unani)

Cautions:

Not used for Cold and Moist conditions.

Main Preparations used: