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What are the benefits and effects of longan?

Dec 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Longan is not only a common fruit but also a traditional nourishing food in Chinese culture. Its main functions and benefits include tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing blood, calming the mind, replenishing qi, promoting body fluid production, improving physical constitution, and assisting in regulating deficiencies of qi and blood. However, precautions should be taken when consuming longan. Due to its warm nature and sweet taste, individuals with damp-heat constitution, excessive phlegm-dampness, or diabetes should consume it in moderation.

Longan is not only a common fruit but also a traditional nourishing food in Chinese culture. Its core benefits and functions mainly include tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing blood and calming the mind, replenishing qi and promoting body fluids, improving physical constitution, and assisting in regulating deficiencies of qi and blood. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. **Tonifying the Heart and Spleen**: Longan has a sweet and warm nature, capable of nourishing the yin and blood of the heart and spleen. It is suitable for symptoms caused by deficiency of both the heart and spleen, such as fatigue, poor appetite, and abdominal distension. By enhancing spleen and stomach function, it strengthens the source of qi and blood production, thereby improving overall physical weakness.

2. **Nourishing Blood and Calming the Mind**: Longan excels at nourishing heart blood and stabilizing the mind. It is effective for palpitations, insomnia with vivid dreams, forgetfulness, and dizziness due to insufficient heart blood. It is especially beneficial for individuals who stay up late or overthink, helping to relieve restlessness and improve sleep quality.

3. **Replenishing Qi and Promoting Body Fluids**: With its effects of strengthening qi, nourishing yin, generating body fluids, and relieving thirst, longan is suitable for symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and fluid deficiency caused by qi and fluid depletion. It helps restore bodily moisture and vital energy, alleviating dryness after heat exposure or physical exhaustion.

4. **Improving Physical Constitution**: For individuals with weak constitution and deficiencies in qi and blood, regular moderate consumption of longan can provide essential nutrients, nourish qi and blood, improve sallow complexion, limb fatigue, and low spirits, and enhance the body's resistance.

5. **Assisting in Regulating Deficiencies of Qi and Blood**: Women experiencing blood loss during menstruation may develop qi and blood deficiency, manifesting as light menstrual flow, pale complexion, dizziness, and fatigue. Moderate intake of longan can help nourish the blood and alleviate these discomforts.

When consuming longan, attention should be paid to contraindications and precautions. Due to its warm and sweet nature, individuals with damp-heat constitution, excessive phlegm-dampness, or diabetes should consume it moderately to ensure safety and suitability.

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