Sweetgum fruit (lu lu tong)

Liquidambar formosana

Traditionally attributed effects: lets qi and blood flow and opens the meridians.

Safety notes

Not during pregnancy. 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

Fruit ball. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that move the blood'. The spiny fruit balls are called lu lu tong, 'all roads open'. They are used to 'open' painful joints and blocked milk ducts. The tree turns a beautiful red in autumn and is a popular street tree in China.

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: bitter, neutral
Meridians: liver, stomach

Attributed effects

For a distended abdomen, irregular or scanty menstruation, injury, stiffness of lower back and knees from wind and dampness, and hay fever.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With xiang fu, chuanxiong and dang gui for scanty menstruation
With xin yi hua and cang er zi for hay fever

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →