Longan Aril, with shell
Longan Aril (Flattened pieces, brownish-red, translucent, soft and sticky, thick flesh with oily shine, sweet and rich in polysaccharides)
【Name】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic of Materia Medica, Middle Grade, Longan
【Common Use Level】
B
【Botanical Origin】
The semi-dried fleshy aril of Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud. of the Sapindaceae family.
【Characteristics】
It presents as irregular pieces that are longitudinally split from the top, about 1.5cm long, 1.5-3.5cm wide, and less than 1mm thick. The surface is yellowish-brown and translucent; the side closer to the pericarp is wrinkled and uneven, rough; the side closer to the seed coat is shiny and has longitudinal wrinkles. The texture is soft, pliable, and slightly sticky, often clumping together. It has a fragrant odor and a strong, sweet, and unique taste.
【Identification】
《Compendium of Materia Medica》: “For tonification, longan is superior.” 《Herbal Medicine Newly Compiled》: “It is best to soak it in wine together with Qi-tonifying and Blood-tonifying ingredients.” 《Key Medicine Differentiation》: “And for nourishing, Longan Aril is the best.” 《Verified Prescriptions Newly Compiled》: “Another formula: twelve Longan Aril shells (also known as Pao Yuan, those with a chestnut color are preferred).” 《Discernment of Good and Bad》: “The inner flesh with abundant moisture, like jade Longan Aril, is top grade.”
Good quality is indicated by large pieces, thick flesh, fine and soft texture, brownish-yellow color, translucency, and a rich, sweet taste.
【Identification Terminology】
1. Stickiness: Refers to the characteristic exhibited by some medicinal materials containing mucilage. It is generally observed by biting, pinching, chewing, or moistening with water. For example, Longan Aril, Celosia Seed, Polygonatum Rhizome, Asparagus Root, Fragrant Solomonseal Rhizome, etc., all have stickiness.
【Category】
Fruits
