Luo Han Guo
Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex A. M. Lu et Z. Y. Zhang
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Moistens the Lungs; Benefits the Throat and Restores the Voice; Resolves Phlegm and Stops Cough; Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels; Generates Fluids and Relieves Thirst
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C.Jeffrey ex A.M.Lu and Zhi Y.Zhang (Cucurbitaceae), formerly Momordica grosvenorii, is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine native to the mountainous regions of southern China and northern Thailand. It produces slender, twining stems that climb by branched tendrils to 3 to 5 meters, arising from a perennial fleshy rootstock. The leaves are alternate, ovate-cordate to lanceolate, 12 to 22 cm long, with a tapering tip and entire or shallowly toothed margins. The plant is dioecious; pale yellow, deeply lobed unisexual flowers are borne in the leaf axils. The fruit is a globose berry 5 to 7 cm in diameter, green when young and turning brown when fully ripened and dried, with a thin, brittle shell enclosing a sweet, fibrous pulp and many flat, ovate seeds. The fruits are harvested when nearly ripe and slowly dried over low heat, becoming light, hollow and intensely sweet from mogroside content, and are used as Luo Han Guo.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Luo Han Guo (monk fruit) is a naturally sweet, cooling fruit that soothes and moistens the Lungs and throat. In Chinese medicine, it is used for dry or Heat-type coughs, sore throats, and hoarseness, as well as for constipation from intestinal dryness. Its intensely sweet flavor comes from compounds not metabolized as sugar, which has made it popular as a natural sweetener in modern health-conscious contexts. As a gentle, food-safe herb, it is commonly prepared as a beverage or tea.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.