Long Yan Rou (Longan Fruit)

Traditionally, the Long Yan Rou herb was used to treat food aversions and quiet emotions. In cases of long term use, it is believed that this herb prevents aging as well as sharpening intelligence. It can also be used to treat menopause and its relative symptoms. 

For those who are weak or still recovering, this herb can be added to porridge. It can also be combined with other foods and confections, but avoid excessive use because this can cause damage to the Spleen. 

While it is effective on its own, Long Yan Rou is sometimes combined with other herbs to aid effectiveness. When combined with Bai He, it combats insomnia and when combined with Huang Qi it is effective for palpitations as well as Blood and Qi deficiency. 

Some common household items that are often combined with Long Yan Rou are white sugar and grain-based liquor. White sugar helps this herb combat insufficient Blood and Qi and soaking Long Yan Rou in liquor can be used daily for deficiencies with Cold that are often the product of Yang Deficiency. 

There are many contradictions of the Long Yan Rou herb, some of which are Phlegm-Fire, Qi Stagnation, Middle Jiao dampness, nausea, or vomiting. 

In comparison to Da Zao, Long Yan Rou is better at tonifying Blood than Qi and enhancing spirit/emotions while Da Zaho is best for moderating the effects of the other herbs while also preventing injury to the Spleen. 

High Quality Long Yan Rou: What does it look like?

High-quality dried Long Yan Rou (Longan fruit) typically has the following qualities:

1. Appearance: It should be light or dark brown in color, and have a smooth, glossy surface.

2. Size: The fruit should be uniform in size and well-formed.

3. Aroma: It should have a sweet, fruity aroma.

4. Texture: The fruit should be firm and not too soft or mushy.

5. Taste: It should have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.

6. Moisture Content: The fruit should not be too moist or too dry, and should retain a natural level of moisture.

7. Purity: The fruit should be free of any contaminants or pollutants.

8. Flavor: The fruit should have a balanced, natural flavor without any artificial ingredients or preservatives.

9. Origin: High-quality dried Long Yan Rou should be sourced from reputable suppliers and grown in regions known for producing high-quality fruit, such as Southeast Asia.

How is Long Yan Rou prepared and processed?

The tropical tree Dimocarpus longan produces Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou) which is similar to lychee and rambutan. This tree is native to both China and tropical Asia and can grow to be over 100 feet tall. 

 The cultivation process for Long Yan Rou (Dimocarpus longan fruit) involves several important steps. Firstly, it is important to select an appropriate site with well-drained soil and adequate sunlight, as Long Yan Rou grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant can be propagated through seedling or grafting methods.

Before planting, the soil should be well-prepared by plowing, fertilizing, and irrigating as needed, with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. Once the seedlings or grafted plants are planted, adequate watering is necessary for the growth of Long Yan Rou, especially during dry periods.

Pruning is also necessary to control the shape of the tree and promote the growth of new shoots. Fertilization with balanced fertilizer, organic matter, or compost is necessary to promote healthy growth and fruiting.

Finally, Long Yan Rou is typically harvested when the fruit has fully ripened and the flesh has become translucent. It is important to consult with an experienced cultivator or agronomist for personalized advice on the cultivation of Long Yan Rou, as the specific methods may vary based on local conditions and practices.

For use in traditional Chinnese medicine, Long Yan Rou (Dimocarpus longan fruit) is dried, prepared, and processed for use in the following steps:

1. Harvest: The fruit is harvested when it has fully ripened and the flesh has become translucent.

2. Drying: The fruit is dried in the sun or using artificial heat to reduce its moisture content.

3. Preparation: The dried fruit is then prepared by removing the seed and skin, and slicing the flesh into small pieces.

4. Processing: The prepared fruit is processed to remove any impurities, and may be further dried or roasted to enhance its medicinal properties.

5. Packaging: The processed fruit is packaged and stored for later use in decoctions, teas, tinctures, or capsule form.

Note: The preparation and processing methods can vary based on the intended use of the herb and the traditional practices of the practitioner.

Popular Recipe for Long Yan Rou

Long Yan Rou, also known as Longan fruit, is a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese cuisine and medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Long Yan Rou is used to nourish the heart and calm the mind. Here is a recipe for Long Yan Rou tea:

Ingredients:

• 10-15 dried Long Yan Rou
• 2-3 cups of water
• Optional: Honey or sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the dried Long Yan Rou to remove any impurities.
2. Boil water in a saucepan.
3. Add the dried Long Yan Rou to the boiling water.
4. Reduce the heat and let the Long Yan Rou steep in the water for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
6. Serve warm.

Note: This recipe is intended for occasional use and not as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider before using Long Yan Rou for medicinal purposes.

Safety Precautions for the use of Long Yan Rou

When consuming and handling Long Yan Rou (Dimocarpus longan), it is important to take the following precautions:

1. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before consuming Long Yan Rou, as it may interact with certain medications or have contraindications for certain health conditions.

2. Avoid consuming Long Yan Rou during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

3. Do not consume large amounts of Long Yan Rou as it may cause adverse reactions such as digestive discomfort, allergic reactions, and it may also interact with blood-thinning medications.

4. Keep Long Yan Rou out of reach of children and pets.

5. Store Long Yan Rou in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

6. If you experience any adverse reactions after consuming Long Yan Rou, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

7. It should be consumed with caution if you have a history of gastric or duodenal ulcers.

8. It should also be consumed with caution if you have a history of anemia or blood-clotting disorders, as it may have blood-thinning properties.

It’s important to note that this is a general guideline and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist to determine the right dosage and usage for you

Additional Information about Long Yan Rou: 

Common Names: Long Yan Rou (Longan Fruit); Long Yan Rou herb, Longan Fruit, Euphorbia, Dragons Eye, Euphoria longan; Longan Arillus 龙眼肉 (桂圓肉)

Properties: Sweet, Warm

Channels Entered: Heart, Spleen

Functions: Tonify Blood, Replenishes Appetite, Enhances Spirit

***Color may vary slightly *** Refridgerate upon arrival ***