Longan (Dried Longan Pulp)
龙眼肉 · Lóngyǎnròu
Dimocarpus longan
Family: Sapindaceae · Part used: Dried aril (pulp) · Origin: Gaozhou, Guangxi, China
Nature
Warm
Flavor
Sweet
Meridian
Heart, Spleen
Dried longan — 'dragon eye' fruit — is the sweetest of the blood tonics, nourishing heart blood to quiet a restless mind and spleen qi to steady the emotions. A key ingredient of Gui Pi Tang, the classical formula for the overworked and sleepless, it is as delicious stirred into teas as it is effective.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Tonifies heart and spleen blood
- •Nourishes the spirit and calms the mind
- •Supports qi and blood together
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep
- •Palpitations and forgetfulness
- •Fatigue from overthinking
- •Pallor and dizziness
- •Poor appetite with anxiety
📖 Usage & Dosage
6–12 g in decoction or 10–20 g simmered in teas, soups, and sweet congee.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Gui Pi Tang Base Tea
Longan 10 g + red dates 5 pcs + goji 10 g, simmered 20 minutes — the overthinker's evening tea.
Longan Egg Dessert
Longan 15 g + red dates simmered, with a poached egg added — a traditional postpartum tonic.
🔬 Modern Research
Longan polysaccharides are studied for antioxidant, calming, and hematopoietic activity.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with damp-phlegm, excessive internal heat, and during heavy menstruation. High in sugar — caution in diabetes.
