Lí · Asian Pear
Lí (梨, Asian Pear) is a herb of Cool nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Yin Nourishing” category. Tradition uses it to moisten Lungs, Clear Heat, Generate Fluids.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Lí
- Characters
- 梨
- Botanical name
- Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Part used
- Fruit
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Lung, Stomach
- Category
- Yin Nourishing
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Japan, Korea
Actions according to tradition
- Moisten Lungs
- Clear Heat
- Generate Fluids
- Transform Phlegm
Traditional uses
- Lung dryness with dry cough
- Thirst and dry throat
- Constipation
- Alcohol toxicity
- Autumn dryness
Studied effects and current applications
- Relieves dry cough
- Soothes throat
- Hydrates body
- Clears phlegm
- Lowers fever
- Digestive aid
Applications under investigation
- Chronic cough
- GERD and heartburn
- Constipation
- Hangover remedy
- Dehydration
- Sore throat
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- None (food)
Relative contraindications
- Spleen deficiency with cold and diarrhea (excessive amounts)
- Pregnancy
- Safe food. Very commonly consumed during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe to eat while breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe and commonly given to children.
- Older adults
- Safe and beneficial
Possible adverse effects
- Diarrhea (excessive amounts in cold constitution)
- Bloating (excessive amounts)
When to stop
- Chronic diarrhea worsens
- Digestive discomfort
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antihypertensives | Enalapril, Losartan | Mild | The pear has a refreshing and mild diuretic effect; can add to the hypotensive effect Monitor blood pressure if consumed in large quantities. |
| Diuretics | Furosemida, Hidroclorotiazida | Mild | Paradoxical diuretic and fluid-generating effect; can alter water balance Monitor hydration. |
Reference dose
- Fresh
- 1-2 pears daily, eaten or juiced
- Decoction
- 15-30 grams dried per day
- Paste
- As prepared (Qiu Li Gao)
- Acute use
- 3-7 days
- Chronic use
- 1-2 weeks
- Maximum
- Seasonal use
- Children
- Safe, gentle for lung dryness.
Forms of preparation
Eat 1-2 Asian pears daily. Or juice and drink.
Lung Yin, dry cough, thirst
Simmer 15-30g dried pear for 20-30 min.
Traditional preparation
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Polyphenols, soluble fiber (pectin) and arbutin
Phenol glucoside · Urinary antiseptic, skin depigmentant
Release of hydroquinone in urine (urinary effect); tyrosinase inhibition (skin) · 0.1-0.5% in pulp and skin
Phenolic acids · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Free radical scavenging, NF-κB inhibition · 0.1-0.5%
Flavonols · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine
Histidine decarboxylase inhibition, radical scavenging · 0.1-0.3% in skin
Polysaccharide (soluble fiber) · Intestinal regulator, hypocholesterolemic, prebiotic
Uptake of bile acids, colonic fermentation, postprandial glucose reduction · 0.5-1.5% in pulp
sugar alcohol · Mild osmotic laxative, moisturizer
Attraction of water to the intestinal lumen (osmotic effect) · 1-3%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (August-October) depending on variety
Fresh fruit used directly in therapy. Chinese pears (白梨 bái lí) have greater therapeutic action. The fresh juice and skin are also used. Processed into syrups and medicinal pills.
Fresh fruit consumed directly or squeezed to obtain juice. The skin (梨皮 lí pí) has a more astringent action and can be used separately. Fresh juice is the most effective way to moisten the Lung.
Boiled or steamed pears with honey, Chuan Bei Mu and other herbs to make the famous medicinal pear syrup (梨膏糖). Also decocted with other medicinal ingredients.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
