Efficacy and Effects of Clausena lansium
Jul 31, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Zhenqin
Introduction
Efficacy and Functions of Clausena lansium (Wampee):
1. Clears Heat and Fire; alleviates indigestion and epigastric distension.
2. Strengthens the Spleen and promotes digestion; increases gastric acid secretion to enhance food digestion.
3. Regulates Qi flow and relieves pain; contains clausenamide and phenolic compounds.
4. Resolves phlegm and alleviates wheezing; rich in polyphenols and flavonoids.
5. Expels Wind and releases the Exterior; used for prevention and treatment of influenza and febrile diseases with fever.
Wongpei (Clausena lansium) is one of the fruits native to southern China and belongs to the category of tropical fruits. It is named “Wongpei” (literally “yellow skin”) because its ripe fruit peel turns yellow. The wongpei tree is a small evergreen tree, reaching up to 12 meters in height. So, what are the health benefits and therapeutic effects of wongpei? The following section addresses this question.
Health Benefits and Therapeutic Effects of Wongpei
1. Clears Heat and Reduces Internal Fire
During summer, consuming wongpei—chewing the pulp, peel, and seeds together and swallowing both residue and juice—can help clear internal heat, alleviate indigestion, and relieve epigastric distension and fullness. Although this method may not be palatable, it delivers notable therapeutic effects.
2. Strengthens the Spleen and Promotes Digestion
Wongpei fruit contains abundant organic acids—including ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and various amino acids—which increase gastric acidity and stimulate gastric juice secretion, thereby enhancing digestion.
3. Regulates Qi Flow and Relieves Pain
The fruit contains compounds such as clausenamide and phenolic substances, which help regulate the flow of Qi, thereby alleviating pain and distension caused by Qi stagnation.
4. Resolves Phlegm and Relieves Asthmatic Symptoms
Polyphenols and flavonoids present in wongpei not only promote smooth Qi circulation but also astringe Lung Qi. Additionally, they reduce smooth muscle spasm, collectively conferring wongpei with phlegm-resolving and anti-asthmatic properties.
5. Expels Wind and Releases the Exterior
Wongpei leaves possess a pungent, cool nature and are traditionally used to expel wind pathogens, release the exterior, resolve phlegm, and regulate Qi flow. They are employed in the prevention and treatment of conditions including epidemic influenza, febrile diseases with fever, coughing and wheezing, edema with abdominal distension, malaria, dysuria, and heat-toxin-induced skin disorders such as scabies.
The above outlines the key health benefits and therapeutic applications of wongpei. We hope this information is helpful to you.
