Longan Fruit
Dimocarpus longan
龙眼肉
Pinyin: Lóng Yǎn Ròu
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Part Used
Aril (flesh of the fruit - the white part around the seed)
Origin
Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan provinces of China, Thailand, Vietnam
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Longan is a tropical fruit tree related to lychee, with round fruits that have a brown, leathery skin and translucent, sweet white flesh surrounding a single black seed. The name "dragon eye" (Long Yan) comes from the resemblance of the peeled fruit to an eyeball. In Chinese medicine, dried longan flesh is a sweet, warm blood and heart tonic, valued for its ability to calm the spirit and nourish the heart.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
warm
Flavors (五味)
sweet
Meridians (归经)
heart, spleen
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies the heart and nourishes blood
- Calms the spirit (shen) - for palpitations, anxiety, insomnia
- Benefits qi and blood - for deficiency with fatigue
- Improves appetite (spleen tonic)
- Forgetfulness and poor memory from heart-spleen deficiency
- Postpartum weakness
- General tonic for weak constitution
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Eaten fresh as fruit, dried and used in soups, congees, teas, desserts, and medicinal formulas. Very popular in Chinese cooking, especially in soups and sweet tong sui desserts. Often combined with red dates, goji berries, and other tonic foods.
Suggested Dosage
Dried fruit: 10-15g daily (about 8-12 pieces). In soups/congees: 15-30g. Fresh fruit: 50-100g daily. Usually consumed as food rather than as a supplement.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer, when fruits are fully ripe. The flesh is removed from seeds and dried in the sun or low-temperature ovens.
Quality Indicators
Dried longan should be translucent, golden-brown, and very sweet. Premium grade is seedless, thick-fleshed, and translucent. Gaozhou, Guangdong produces the most famous "Chu Liang" longan. Should be moist and sticky, not dry and brittle.
Storage
Store dried longan in airtight container in cool, dry place or refrigerator. Can be stored for 1-2 years. Fresh longan: refrigerate and use within 5-7 days. Protect from insects.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Diabetes (naturally very sweet - high sugar content)Phlegm-damp conditions (sweetness may worsen)Excess heat or fire conditionsDiarrhea (may worsen in some - moistening nature)Those with weight concerns (high natural sugar)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally very safe when consumed as food
- May cause weight gain if overconsumed (high sugar)
- Digestive upset (bloating, diarrhea) in large amounts
- Allergic reaction (very rare)
Drug Interactions
- Diabetes medications (may affect blood sugar - monitor levels)
- Anticoagulants (very weak effect)
- Generally very low risk at food consumption levels
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
White Peony Root
Paeonia lactiflora
White Peony Root is the prepared root of the herbaceous peony, one of the most beloved flowers in China. The "white" refers to the preparation method (peeled and boiled, resulting in a whiter interior) rather than the flower color. It is a fundamental herb in Chinese medicine, valued for its ability to nourish blood, calm the liver, and relieve pain. Red Peony (Chi Shao) is a different species/part used for blood-moving, not tonification.
Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)
Angelica sinensis
Dong Quai is a perennial herb in the celery/carrot family with white flowers and a large, aromatic root. It is the most important women's herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often called the "female ginseng." The root is divided into three parts used differently: the head (top) stops bleeding, the body tonifies blood, and the tail moves blood. Min County, Gansu, produces the most famous "Min Gui."
Yellow Dock Root
Rumex crispus
Yellow dock is a common weed with a long history of use as a blood purifier, liver tonic, and digestive aid. The root gets its name from its bright yellow color, which comes from anthraquinone compounds. Yellow dock is widely used in Western herbalism for skin conditions, anemia, and liver support. The young leaves are also edible as a green vegetable.