What are the functions and benefits of Shanlizi (Prunus salicina)?
Mountain Prune, a traditional Chinese medicine, is the fruit of Berberis melanocarpa from the Berberidaceae family. Generally speaking, Mountain Prune offers several health benefits, including antioxidant effects, lowering blood pressure, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, relieving cough and expelling phlegm, and enhancing digestion. Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Antioxidant
Mountain Prune is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and various phytochemicals, which can help combat damage caused by free radicals, slow down the cellular aging process, and enhance human immunity, aiding the body in resisting diseases.
2. Lowering Blood Pressure
Mountain Prune contains various amygdalin compounds that have diuretic and blood pressure-lowering effects. Additionally, the potassium content helps control blood pressure and supports cardiovascular health.
3. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis
Mountain Prune can improve blood circulation and accelerate blood flow, thereby relieving pain, promoting wound healing, and offering certain improvement effects on localized pain or blood stasis conditions.
4. Relieving Cough and Expelling Phlegm
Mountain Prune has a soothing effect on respiratory inflammation and can alleviate symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. It also clears excess heat from the lungs, providing some relief for symptoms like cough due to lung heat and phlegm production.
5. Enhancing Digestion
Mountain Prune contains abundant dietary fiber, which helps promote intestinal motility, improve constipation, and support a healthy digestive system. Substances such as fruit acids can also stimulate gastric juice secretion, aiding in food digestion.
However, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals with weak spleen and stomach should avoid consuming Mountain Prune to prevent worsening of their condition.
