Lóng Yǎn Ròu (龙眼肉) — Longan Fruit

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Lóng Yǎn Ròu (龙眼肉) is the dried fleshy aril of Dimocarpus longan (the longan fruit, related to lychee). It belongs to the category of Herbs that tonify the Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most useful Heart-and-Spleen Blood tonics in Chinese herbal medicine — particularly suited to the modern presentation of palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and forgetfulness from overwork and worry.

I prescribe Lóng Yǎn Ròu as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Tonifies Heart and Spleen
2. Nourishes Blood and calms the Spirit

Indications

1. Heart-Spleen deficiency with palpitations, insomnia, anxious dreams and forgetfulness
2. Worry and overthinking depleting Spleen and Heart, producing fatigue with mood disturbance
3. Mild Blood deficiency with sallow complexion, dizziness on standing and pale tongue
4. Convalescence after illness or childbirth when a gentle, palatable Blood tonic is needed

4. Modern research

Longan aril contains sugars, polysaccharides, polyphenols (gallic acid, ellagic acid), saponins and a range of B-vitamins and minerals. Studies report antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects in animal models. Polysaccharide fractions have shown mild adaptogenic and memory-supporting activity in preclinical work. The whole-fruit decoction is exceptionally well-tolerated and is widely used as a food-grade herb across East Asia.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with Phlegm-Damp obstruction and obvious heat signs (yellow tongue coat, irritability, hot dreams), as the sweet warming nature can compound Damp and Heat. Generally very safe.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Lóng Yǎn Ròu as part of tailored herbal formulas for the Heart-Spleen-deficiency pattern that underlies much modern anxiety, insomnia and overwork-related fatigue, and for postnatal Blood-deficient presentations. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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