Dried Daikon Radish

Dried Daikon Radish (Luo Bo Gan): A Light, Cooling Food Therapy for Supporting Digestion, Clearing Phlegm, and Promoting Qi Flow

Introduction

Dried Daikon Radish, known as Luo Bo Gan (萝卜干) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy, is traditionally used to support digestion, clear phlegm, and promote the smooth movement of Qi. Light, mildly pungent-sweet, and cooling in nature, it is valued for relieving food stagnation, easing heaviness after meals, and supporting overall balance.

What Is Dried Daikon Radish (Luo Bo Gan)?

Dried Daikon Radish is made from fresh daikon radish that has been sliced and sun-dried or air-dried. In TCM food therapy, daikon is well known for its ability to move Qi and transform phlegm, especially in the digestive system. Drying concentrates its effects and makes it easy to store and use in soups, broths, and cooked dishes.

Health Benefits of Dried Daikon Radish (Luo Bo Gan)

Supports Digestive Function
Dried Daikon Radish is traditionally used to relieve food stagnation, bloating, and heaviness, especially after rich or greasy meals.

Clears Phlegm and Mild Heat
With its cooling and slightly pungent nature, it helps transform phlegm and clear mild internal Heat, particularly affecting the lungs and digestion.

Promotes Qi Movement
Often used to encourage the smooth flow of Qi, it may help reduce feelings of fullness, pressure, or sluggishness in the body.

How to Use Dried Daikon Radish (Luo Bo Gan)

As a Food Therapy
Rehydrate dried radish and add it to soups, broths, or slow-cooked dishes to aid digestion and lighten heavy meals.

As a Daily Support
Best used in moderation, especially when digestion feels slow or phlegm is present.

In Traditional Preparations
Commonly paired with ingredients like pork, chicken, dried tangerine peel (chen pi), ginger, or dates to balance its cooling nature.

Where to Buy Dried Daikon Radish

You can find Dried Daikon Radish at:

• Chinese grocery stores
• Asian dried food markets
• Online specialty retailers

Look for:

• Clean, evenly dried slices
• Natural off-white to pale yellow color
• Fresh, mildly pungent aroma without sourness or mold

Are There Any Side Effects?

Dried Daikon Radish is generally safe when eaten in food amounts. Those with very weak digestion or sensitivity to cold foods should use it well-cooked and in small portions.

Conclusion

Dried Daikon Radish (Luo Bo Gan) is a classic TCM food therapy used to support digestion, clear phlegm, promote Qi flow, and restore lightness and balance to the body.

FAQs

Is Dried Daikon Radish toxic?
No, it is non-toxic and widely used as a dried vegetable in traditional cooking and food therapy.

Can Dried Daikon Radish be used daily?
Yes, in moderate amounts, especially when digestion is sluggish or meals are heavy.

Is Dried Daikon Radish warming or cooling?
It is considered cooling, with a mildly pungent quality that helps move Qi and transform phlegm.