- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia
Europe · Food · № 244
Pyrus communis
Food · Europe
Pear
Pyrus communis
A fibre-rich fruit with sorbitol, which is mildly laxative. In Chinese medicine pear (li) is cooked with rock sugar for a dry cough; no effect is described for other uses.
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
Fresh, stewed or dried; in China steamed with rock sugar.
Use in traditions
The pear has been grown in Europe and Asia since antiquity; Homer mentions it in the Odyssey. In China stewed pear with honey or rock sugar is a home remedy for a dry throat and cough. In European folk culture a pear tree was planted at the birth of a girl. In herbal magic associated with health, prosperity and love.
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 food therapy
Attributed effects
Pears moisten, promote body fluids, cool and strengthen the lung energy. Steamed with bei mu a traditional remedy for dry, congested lungs and a hot chest.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Health, prosperity, love.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Fruit salad; juice for smoothies.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Steamed pears with bei mu