Monk fruit (luo han guo)

Siraitia grosvenorii (syn. Momordica grosvenori)

Traditionally attributed effects: moistens and cools the lungs in a dry cough and reduces swollen glands.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Dried fruit. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics for the yin'. Luo han guo is named after the luohan, Buddhist monks who according to tradition grew the fruit in Guangxi. It is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar because of mogrosides and is used as a sugar substitute and as tea for dry cough and sore throat.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, neutral
Meridians: lung, spleen

Attributed effects

For a hot, dry cough from pneumonia or lung yin deficiency, and swollen glands.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 9–15 g a day, usually in a decoction. An ordinary food in China, often cooked with pork. Nowadays also known as a natural sweetener (monk fruit).

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →