Mung Beans Chinese Herb

Mung Beans (Lu Dou): A Sweet Herb for Clearing Heat and Relieving Toxicity

Introduction

Mung beans, known as Lu Dou (绿豆) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are sweet and cold. They are valued for clearing heat, relieving toxicity, and alleviating thirst or restlessness from summer heat. Lu Dou is especially used for food poisoning, high fever, irritability, and skin eruptions. Its cooling and detoxifying nature makes it essential for both digestive and febrile conditions.

What Are Mung Beans?

Lu Dou comes from the seeds of Vigna radiata, a legume widely cultivated in Asia. In TCM, it is classified as sweet and cold, entering the Heart and Stomach meridians. Its qualities allow it to clear summer heat, relieve toxicity, and harmonize the Stomach while promoting fluid generation.

Health Benefits of Mung Beans

Clears heat and quenches thirst – Effective for fever, irritability, and summer heatstroke.

Relieves toxicity – Used for food or drug poisoning, sore throat, and toxic swellings.

Soothes the skin – Helps with eruptions, boils, and rashes caused by heat and toxins.

How to Use Mung Beans

Decoction – Boiled for summer heat, fever, or poisoning.

Porridge – Cooked with rice for clearing heat and nourishing fluids.

Topical – Ground into powder and applied to skin eruptions or sores.

Where to Buy Mung Beans

Grocery stores – Commonly available as dried beans.

TCM shops/herbal suppliers – Sold in bulk for medicinal or culinary use.

Look for: small, green, oval beans with a mild sweet taste.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Mung beans are generally safe. However, excessive use may cause coldness in the Stomach or diarrhea in those with Spleen deficiency.

Conclusion

Mung beans (Lu Dou) are a cooling, detoxifying herb used in TCM to clear heat, relieve toxicity, and support both digestive and skin health. Their versatility as both food and medicine makes them an important summer remedy.

FAQ

Can they help with food poisoning? – Yes, they are effective for mild food or drug poisoning.

Do they cool the body? – Yes, they clear summer heat and quench thirst.

Are they safe for daily use? – Generally safe, especially when eaten as food, but avoid overuse if you have a cold or weak digestion.