Hong Guo Shen is a fruit or a medicinal herb?

Jan 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Hongguoshen (red fruit ginseng) serves both as a fruit and as medicine. Due to its pleasant taste and the characteristic of being edible raw, Hongguoshen can be consumed as a regular fruit. In terms of medicinal use, Hongguoshen is widely applied in traditional medicine, utilizing either its root or the whole herb. Additionally, Hongguoshen contains various active ingredients and possesses certain medicinal value.

Generally speaking, Hongguoshen (Red Fruit Ginseng) serves both as a fruit and as a medicinal herb. The specific analysis is as follows:

From the perspective of fruit, Hongguoshen fruit is round with vibrant skin color, unique taste, crisp sweetness, juicy texture, and tender flesh. Consuming it directly can supplement the body with water, certain vitamins, and minerals, which benefits health and supports normal metabolic functions. Due to its pleasant taste and edible characteristics, Hongguoshen can be enjoyed as a daily fruit.

Medicinally, Hongguoshen uses the root or the entire plant for therapeutic purposes and has been widely applied in traditional medicine. It has a sweet and neutral nature and offers effects such as strengthening the body, invigorating qi, resolving phlegm, and stopping bleeding. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as spleen deficiency diarrhea, lung deficiency cough, and rectal prolapse. Hongguoshen also contains various active ingredients, such as polysaccharides and flavonoids, which demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating properties, indicating certain medicinal value.

It is recommended to consume Hongguoshen in moderation in daily life to avoid overconsumption that may burden the gastrointestinal system. If using Hongguoshen for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to consult a physician beforehand to avoid self-medicating blindly.