Nourish Qi Chinese Dried Longan Replenish Blood Dried Longan Meat

Nourish qi and replenish blood Dimocarpus longan Lour

longan (scientific name: Dimocarpus longan Lour.), is a large evergreen tree under the genus Dimocarpus of the Sapindaceae family. It is also known as longan, round eye, and sheep eye fruit tree, etc. The young branches of longan are thick and strong, covered with slightly soft hairs, and have scattered pale lenicels. The leaves are thin and leathery, oblong-elliptic to oblong-lanceolate. The inflorescence is large and multi-branched, terminal and axillary near the branch tip, densely covered with stellate hairs. The petals are milky white and lanceolate. The fruit is nearly spherical, usually yellowish-brown or sometimes grayish-yellow, and slightly rough on the outside. The seeds are tea-brown, shiny and all wrapped in fleshy aril. The flowering period is between spring and summer, and the fruiting period is in summer.

The native range of longan is from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia to the northern part of Queensland, Australia. It is native to Thailand, Vietnam, Queensland, central and southern China, and southeastern China, and was later introduced to Florida, Java Island in the United States, and Taiwan, China. It is mostly distributed in the southern regions of China. It often grows in lowland evergreen and deciduous mixed forests at an altitude of about 1,100 meters, and is commonly found on sandstone and granite.

Longan fruit is sweet and juicy, with high nutritional value. It is a precious specialty fruit in southern China. Longan fruits can be eaten fresh, baked into dried fruits or canned for consumption, and are widely loved by people all over the world. Its seeds contain starch. After proper treatment, they can also be used to make wine. Meanwhile, longan can also be used in furniture manufacturing. In addition, longan is a commonly used medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine. Its flowers, leaves, fruits, shells and seeds can all be used as medicine.

Due to human interference, longan was included in the "China Biodiversity Red List - Higher Plants Volume" in 2013, with the classification of VU (Vulnerable). In 2021, longan was included in the "List of Key Protected Wild Plants of China" and is a second-class protected wild plant of the country.

I. Main Functions and Indications

1. Replenish qi and blood and improve physical weakness

Dried longans are rich in glucose, protein and iron. They can promote the production of red blood cells and improve symptoms of insufficient qi and blood such as pale complexion, dizziness, fatigue and cold hands and feet. They are especially suitable for postpartum, postoperative or anemic people to regulate their constitution.

2. Calm the mind, help with sleep and relieve anxiety

The saponin components it contains can regulate the nervous system, alleviate problems such as insomnia, frequent dreams, palpitations and forgetfulness, and have a certain soothing effect on those who are under long-term stress or suffer from neurasthenia.

3. Enhance brain function and intelligence, and improve memory

The polysaccharides, amino acids and other substances in dried longans can improve blood supply to the brain, enhance memory and concentration, and are suitable for daily consumption by students and mental workers.

4. Warm and tonify the spleen and stomach, and improve digestion

According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is warm in nature and sweet in taste, capable of strengthening the spleen and warming the stomach, alleviating symptoms of spleen and stomach coldness such as loss of appetite and diarrhea. The effect is even better when combined with red dates and ginger.

Ii. Target Audience and Matching Suggestions

For those with deficiency of both qi and blood: Cook porridge or make tea with red dates and wolfberries to enhance the effect of blood replenishment.

2. People with insomnia: Cook a sweet soup with lily bulbs and lotus seeds and take it one hour before going to bed.

3. For those who consume a lot of mental energy: Chew 3 to 5 pieces directly, or add oats and walnuts for breakfast.

4. For those with weak spleen and stomach and cold constitution: Cook porridge with ginger and glutinous rice to relieve cold pain in the abdomen.

Iii. Precautions for Use

Taboo groups:

1. People with damp-heat constitution and diabetes: Dried longans have a high sugar content, which may aggravate dry mouth and tongue and blood sugar fluctuations.

Pregnant women and those in the period of inflammation: Excessive consumption can easily cause internal heat or aggravate inflammation.

Consumption suggestions:

2. The daily intake should be controlled at 10 to 15 grams (about 5 to 8 capsules) to avoid excessive intake that may cause bloating or oral ulcers.

It is recommended to pair it with cool-natured ingredients such as chrysanthemum and luo Han guo to balance the warm and dry nature.