Description
The Sweet, Moistening Fruit for the Lungs and Intestines
The dried fig holds a distinct place in TCM dietary therapy. It is valued for its pronounced moistening and lubricating properties, making it a gentle and effective food for addressing dryness in the body.
Neutral in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the lungs, spleen, stomach and large intestine meridians.
Dried Figs (Wu Hua Guo, 无花果) are a superior dietary herb for moistening dryness. Their sweet, neutral, and lubricating nature makes them an excellent choice for nourishing the Lungs to relieve dry coughs and, most famously, for lubricating the Intestines to relieve constipation. They are a perfect example of TCM’s “food as medicine” principle, offering a gentle, safe, and palatable way to address common health issues rooted in dryness and deficiency.
Dried figs act primarily by moistening dryness and supporting the digestive and respiratory systems.
Health Benefits
Moisten the lungs, relieves cough, moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movement, promotes fluid production, strengthens the spleen and stomach, improves appetite, clears heat and detoxifies. It is mainly used to treat sore throat, dry cough and hoarseness, intestinal heat, constipation, loss of appetite, indigestion, diarrhoea.
Moistens the Lungs and Relieves Cough :
· Its sweet and moist nature makes it excellent for treating a dry, tickly cough with a sore throat and hoarseness, particularly in dry climates or during the autumn.
Moistens the Intestines and Promotes Bowel Movement :
· Dried figs are a gentle and effective laxative for constipation due to intestinal dryness or Blood deficiency. They are ideal for the elderly, postpartum women, or anyone with chronic dry stools.
Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, Improves Appetite :
· Its sweet flavour and neutral nature help tonify the Spleen and Stomach, aiding digestion and alleviating poor appetite and indigestion.
Clears Heat and Detoxifies :
· Dried figs have a mild heat-clearing and detoxifying property. They have been used traditionally to help with conditions like hemorrhoids, boils, and sore throat.
Dried figs are used as a functional food for the following conditions:
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Chronic Constipation : Especially effective when due to a lack of fluids or Yin deficiency.
· Dry Cough and Hoarse Voice : Useful for singers, teachers, or those in dry environments.
· Poor Digestion and Appetite Loss : Can be eaten as a snack to stimulate digestive function.
· Sore Throat and Hemorrhoids : Attributed to its heat-clearing and moistening effects.
· Postpartum Recovery and Lactation : Used in some traditions to support lactation and replenish fluids after childbirth.
Precautions
While extremely safe, the potent moistening nature of dried figs means they should be consumed in moderation by individuals with certain conditions :
· Dampness or Phlegm: Contraindicated for those with copious phlegm, loose stools, or diarrhoea. Their moistening quality would worsen these conditions.
· Spleen Deficiency with Dampness : Individuals who easily feel bloated, have a heavy body, and a sticky tongue coating should limit their intake.
· Diabetes or Blood Sugar Sensitivity : Due to their high natural sugar content, individuals needing to manage blood sugar should consume them in careful moderation.
· 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. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
Dried figs are almost exclusively used as a food, making them very safe and easy to incorporate into the daily diet.
· Tea / Decoction : Simmer 2-4 dried figs in water for 15-20 minutes to make a sweet tea that can soothe a cough or sore throat.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups and stews for a tonic effect.
