Melon Stem Powder Treats Pesticide Poisoning
"Melon Stem Powder," an emetic formula from the Shanghan Lun, plays a vital role in home-based first-aid treatment for patients with early-stage poisoning from ingested toxins (including pesticides). The melon stem refers to the common melon stem found in rural areas, specifically the fruit stalk of the sweet melon, an annual herbaceous vine plant of the Cucurbitaceae family.
As one of the representative formulas for inducing vomiting, Guati San consists of equal parts of stir-fried melon rind (Gua Ti) and adzuki beans (Chi Xiao Dou), ground into powder. The dosage is 1.5–1.8 grams of Guati San, taken with a decoction of 2–5 grams of fermented black beans (Xiang Chi) to induce vomiting. The entire dose should be taken at once. If vomiting does not occur, the dose may be slightly increased until vomiting occurs.The primary efficacy of Gua Di San is to induce vomiting of phlegm, saliva, and undigested food. It treats phlegm, saliva, and undigested food obstructing the chest and epigastrium. Indications include chest fullness and hardness, the urge to vomit without success, rising qi obstructing the throat causing difficulty breathing, and a slightly floating pulse at the cun position. It is commonly used to induce vomiting of phlegm, saliva, and undigested food, as well as to prevent toxin absorption after accidental poisoning.
Modern pharmacological research suggests that melon peduncle stimulates the gastric mucosa, indirectly exciting the medullary vomiting center to induce reverse peristalsis of the stomach, opening the cardia, and triggering vomiting. Alternatively, it may directly stimulate the vomiting center to expel accumulated food or toxins from the stomach, reducing gastrointestinal burden and thereby restoring and regulating organ function.
Melon stems are cultivated nationwide with extremely widespread availability. During peak melon harvest season, harvesting green stems and air-drying them yields the best medicinal quality. In emergencies, grinding pure melon stem powder and administering it orally can induce vomiting. However, proper dosage is crucial—typically 0.5–0.8 grams is recommended.According to the Chinese Journal of Nursing, a clinical study on inducing vomiting in early-stage oral poisoning patients using "Gua Di San" randomly divided 172 patients into three groups: oral Gua Di San, gastric lavage, and warm water-induced vomiting. Results showed the oral Gua Di San group demonstrated significantly superior efficacy compared to the other two groups.
How to Administer Emergency Treatment for Pesticide Poisoning
Organophosphorus Pesticide Poisoning
Organophosphorus pesticides are widely used insecticides in agricultural production.Currently, dozens of organophosphorus pesticides are produced and used in China, such as parathion (3911), diazinon (1059), parathion-methyl (1605), trichlorfon, dichlorvos, malathion, ethion, and carbaryl.
The primary routes of organophosphorus poisoning are through the skin, respiratory tract, and digestive tract.Organophosphates are highly lipid-soluble and readily penetrate the skin; aerosols generated during spraying are easily inhaled; ingestion typically results from accidental exposure. Mild poisoning may present with mild central nervous system and muscarinic symptoms, including bradycardia, hypotension, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, miosis, and conjunctival edema.Moderate poisoning presents with pronounced muscarinic symptoms alongside nicotinic effects: skeletal muscle excitation, myalgia, muscle fasciculations, and fibrillation. Late stages may progress to muscle weakness and paralysis; respiratory muscle paralysis can be fatal. Additional complications include myocarditis, tachycardia, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and atrioventricular block.Severe poisoning may additionally cause pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, miosis, convulsions, coma, slurred speech, insomnia, or somnolence.
Emergency Measures
(1) Immediately remove the patient from the contaminated area and strip off all contaminated clothing, shoes, hats, etc. (2) For oral poisoning, induce vomiting and perform gastric lavage as soon as possible.Use clean water, a 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution (contraindicated for parathion poisoning), or a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution (contraindicated for diazinon poisoning) for gastric lavage. (3) Thoroughly wash contaminated hair, skin, hands, feet, etc., with copious amounts of saline, clean water, or soapy water (contraindicated for diazinon poisoning).(4) For eye or external ear canal contamination, rinse with saline for at least 10 minutes, then instill 1-2 drops of 1% atropine. (5) Administer oxygen immediately to those with respiratory distress, or use a ventilator for assisted breathing; perform tracheotomy if necessary. (6) Administer antidotes. (7) Control fluid intake and initiate timely dehydration therapy for those with cerebral edema.
Organochlorine Pesticide Poisoning
The most commonly used organochlorine insecticides are hexachlorobenzene (commonly known as "DDD") and chloroform. The former is more toxic than the latter. Additionally, there are mixed pesticides containing organochlorines, such as malathion, parathion, and carbaryl.In daily life, poisoning occurs through accidental ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation.
Mild poisoning: lethargy, dizziness, headache, etc.Moderate poisoning: Severe vomiting, sweating, drooling, blurred vision, muscle tremors, convulsions, palpitations, and drowsiness. Severe poisoning: Epileptic seizures, coma, potentially fatal respiratory failure or cardiac fibrillation, and may cause liver or kidney damage.
First Aid Measures
(1) For inhalation or dermal exposure: Immediately remove the victim from the site. Remove contaminated clothing, shoes, and headwear. Wash skin with water or soapy water. Rinse eyes with 2% sodium bicarbonate solution. (2) For oral ingestion: Perform gastric lavage with 2% sodium bicarbonate solution. Administer magnesium sulfate enema after lavage.Avoid oil-based laxatives. (3) Place a mouth opener in the mouth of individuals experiencing convulsions. (4) Administer oxygen immediately to those with breathing difficulties. (5) Inject respiratory stimulants for respiratory failure; provide mechanical ventilation if necessary. Avoid epinephrine to prevent inducing ventricular fibrillation.