Description
Dried Longan / Longan Arillus / Long Yan Rou / Gui Yuan / 龙眼肉 / 桂圆
Dried longan (the flesh of the fruit Dimocarpus longan) is a highly valued tonic herb.
Warm in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the heart and spleen meridians.
Its warm and sweet nature makes it an excellent tonic, especially for building Qi (energy) and Blood (Xue). Dried longan is primarily used to tonify and nourish, specifically targeting the Heart and Spleen systems.
Health Benefits
Tonify heart and spleen, nourishes blood, calms the spirit, strengthens the spleen, benefits Qi, nourishes the skin and body.
Tonifies the Heart and Calms the Spirit : It nourishes the Blood of the Heart, which houses the “Shen” (Spirit). When Heart Blood is deficient, the Shen has no peaceful residence, leading to :
· Anxiety, restlessness, and worry
· Insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, or difficulty staying asleep
· Poor memory and palpitations
· Dried longan is considered a gentle sedative that works by building the substance (Blood) that anchors the mind.
Tonifies the Spleen and Benefits Qi : The Spleen is the primary organ for digestion and the production of Qi and Blood. By strengthening the Spleen, longan helps :
· Increase energy and reduce fatigue
· Improve appetite and digestion
· Alleviate symptoms of Qi deficiency like shortness of breath
· Its Spleen-tonifying action directly supports its ability to generate Blood.
Nourishes the Blood : It is a key herb for Blood deficiency, particularly when there is also Qi deficiency. Symptoms of Blood deficiency include :
· Pale or sallow complexion
· Dizziness and blurry vision
· Heart palpitations
· Insomnia (as mentioned above)
Ideal for individual experiencing :
Dried longan is ideal for individuals who are deficient in both Qi and Blood, especially when the deficiency affects the Heart.
· Chronic fatigue and low energy (Qi Deficiency)
· Pale complexion, dizziness, or anaemia (Blood Deficiency)
· Insomnia, heart palpitations, and a feeling of being easily startled (Heart Blood Deficiency)
· Poor appetite and loose stools (Spleen Qi Deficiency)
· It is often used during recovery from illness, after childbirth, or for the elderly who exhibit these patterns of deficiency.
Precautions
Due to its warming nature, dried longan is not suitable for everyone.
· An Acute / Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Diabetes/Blood Sugar Concerns : Use in moderation as it is high in natural sugars.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential. All herbs are not for infants.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary.
Common Usage and Preparation
Dried longan is a food-grade herb, making it very safe and easy to incorporate into your diet.
· Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups, congee, dessert soup, herbal tea, stew for a tonic effect.
· Eaten Directly : You can simply eat a few pieces (5-10) as a healthy, calming snack.
