Dried Longan Fruit

Dried Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou): A Sweet Tonic for Heart, Blood, and Sleep

Introduction

Dried Longan fruit, known as Long Yan Rou (龙眼肉) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a beloved herbal fruit renowned for its calming properties, nourishing effects on the blood, and gentle support for restful sleep. Sweet and warming, it’s a key ingredient in many tonics aimed at supporting the Heart and Spleen, especially in those suffering from fatigue, palpitations, or insomnia. Often added to teas, soups, and desserts, dried longan is a delicious way to strengthen the body and soothe the spirit.

What Is Dried Longan Fruit?

Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is a tropical fruit related to lychee, prized in TCM for its dried pulp rather than its fresh form. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Long Yan Rou is considered sweet and warm in nature. It enters the Heart and Spleen meridians and is traditionally used to tonify blood and qi, calm the mind, and support emotional balance. Its soft texture and naturally sweet flavor make it both a food and a functional herbal remedy.

Health Benefits of Dried Longan Fruit

1. Nourishes Blood and Tonifies the Heart
   Dried longan is a well-known blood tonic used to treat symptoms of blood deficiency such as dizziness, pale complexion, and palpitations. It strengthens the Heart, promoting a sense of vitality and emotional wellness.

2. Supports Calmness and Restful Sleep
   Its gentle sedative properties help calm the spirit (Shen), making it beneficial for those with anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia due to blood or qi deficiency.

3. Strengthens the Spleen and Supports Digestion
   Dried longan aids in digestion and enhances energy levels by supporting the Spleen, which governs nutrient absorption and qi production in TCM.

4. Improves Cognitive Function and Memory
   Traditionally used to sharpen the mind and enhance memory, dried longan is especially helpful for students, elders, or individuals with fatigue-related forgetfulness.

5. Boosts Immunity and Vitality
   By tonifying both qi and blood, it improves the body’s resilience and supports recovery after illness or during periods of exhaustion.

How to Use Dried Longan Fruit

In Soups and Congee
Dried longan is often simmered with red dates, goji berries, Chinese yam, and lotus seeds to create nourishing soups or congee. Use 10–15 grams per serving and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes to release its sweetness and herbal properties.

In Herbal Teas or Decoctions
You can brew dried longan as tea on its own or combine it with other calming and blood-nourishing herbs like red dates (Da Zao), licorice root, or poria (Fu Ling). Use 6–12 grams per cup and simmer for 20–40 minutes.

As a Snack or Dessert Ingredient
It can also be eaten directly as a chewy sweet snack or added to desserts such as glutinous rice balls, herbal jellies, or tonic broths. For best results, choose sulfite-free varieties that retain more of their natural nutrition.

Where to Buy Dried Longan Fruit

You can find Long Yan Rou at the following places:

• Chinese herbal medicine shops

• Asian grocery stores

• Health food stores

• Online retailers such as Amazon, iHerb, or specialty TCM websites

Look for:

• Whole, plump dried longan with a rich, caramel-brown color

• Organic or sulfite-free labeling

• Lab-tested or certified products for purity and safety

Are There Any Side Effects?

Dried longan is generally considered very safe when used appropriately. However, it may not be ideal for individuals with internal heat, inflammation, or excess phlegm. Because of its natural sugar content, those with diabetes should consume it in moderation. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with chronic health conditions, should consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Conclusion

Dried longan fruit, or Long Yan Rou, is a time-honored herbal food used in TCM to nourish the Heart, calm the mind, and boost energy through its blood- and qi-tonifying effects. Whether added to teas, soups, or desserts, this sweet and warming tonic is a flavorful and effective way to restore balance and support long-term wellness.

FAQs

• Can I eat dried longan every day?
  Yes, dried longan can be enjoyed daily in moderate amounts as part of a balanced tonic routine.

• What does dried longan taste like?
  It has a naturally sweet, rich flavor with hints of caramel. When cooked, it infuses liquids with a mellow, comforting sweetness.

• Is dried longan safe for children?
  Yes, it can be used in small amounts for children under the guidance of a qualified pediatric herbalist, especially for digestion or sleep support.