Longan aril (Longyanrou)

Pharmaceutical Name : Arillus longan

Botanical Name : Euphoria longan (Lour.) steud.

Common Name : Longan aril, Arillus fruit

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The aril can be collected from the ripe longan in early autumn. Then it is baked or dried in the sunshine.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and warm

Meridians : Heart and spleen

Functions :
1. To nourish blood and tranquilize the mind;
2. To strengthen the spleen and replenish qi

Indications & Combinations : Deficiency of qi and blood manifested as palpitations, insomnia and forgetfulness. Longan aril (Longyanrou) is used with Ginseng (Renshen), Astragalus root (Huangqi), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) in the formula Guipi Tang.

Dosage: 10-30 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases of phlegm-fire or dampness in the middle jiao (spleen and stomach).