What are the effects and benefits of Luo Han Guo?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
As a traditional food and medicinal ingredient, Luo Han Guo (monk fruit) has core functions and benefits including clearing heat and moistening the lungs, soothing the throat and relieving pain, promoting saliva secretion to quench thirst, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and assisting in blood glucose regulation. Luo Han Guo is sweet and cool in nature, and is particularly effective in clearing lung heat and alleviating dryness in the lungs. It is suitable for symptoms such as cough, phlegm, sore or itchy throat caused by lung heat or lung dryness. Caution should be taken when consuming: individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency and coldness or those prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption.
As a traditional ingredient regarded as both food and medicine, Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) has core functions and benefits including clearing heat and moistening the lungs, soothing the throat and relieving pain, promoting saliva secretion to quench thirst, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and assisting in blood glucose regulation. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Moistening the Lungs: Luo Han Guo has a sweet and cool nature, excelling at clearing lung heat and moistening lung dryness. It is suitable for symptoms such as cough, phlegm, dryness, and itching of the throat caused by lung heat or dryness. By nourishing lung yin and eliminating heat pathogens, it helps alleviate respiratory discomfort and supports healthy lung moisture balance.
2. Soothing the Throat and Relieving Pain: The natural mogrosides in Luo Han Guo can soothe the mucous membranes of the throat, reducing soreness, swelling, and hoarseness. It is especially beneficial for individuals who overuse their voice or suffer from throat inflammation. Its mild and moisturizing properties help reduce mucosal congestion, keeping the throat comfortable.
3. Promoting Saliva Secretion and Quenching Thirst: With its sweet and cooling properties, Luo Han Guo promotes the production of body fluids, effectively relieving symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and excessive drinking caused by dryness or fluid deficiency. Whether for daily hydration or alleviating discomfort from hot and dry environments, it provides effective relief by stimulating saliva production.
4. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation: The dietary fiber and high water content in Luo Han Guo soften stools and promote intestinal motility, making it effective for constipation due to intestinal dryness and fluid deficiency. By lubricating the intestines and enhancing gut movement, it supports smooth bowel movements with a gentle action that does not irritate the digestive tract.
5. Assisting Blood Glucose Regulation: The mogrosides in Luo Han Guo do not participate in glucose metabolism, making it a suitable sugar substitute for individuals with elevated blood sugar levels. Additionally, its sweet and cooling nature helps reduce internal heat, offering supportive benefits for blood glucose control—though it should not replace medical treatment.
When consuming Luo Han Guo, individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold conditions or those prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive intake to prevent worsening of cold-related symptoms, ensuring safe and appropriate use.
