The Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Persimmon Calyx (Shi Di)
The Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Persimmon Calyx (Shi Di)
Persimmon calyx, known in Chinese medicine as "Shi Di," refers to the dried calyx of the persimmon tree, a member of the Ebenaceae family. These calyces are collected during the winter when the fruit is ripe and used for various health and medicinal purposes. They are cleaned and dried before use. So, what are the effects and benefits of persimmon calyx, and what should be kept in mind regarding its usage and potential contraindications? Let's delve into the uses and effects of this traditional Chinese medicinal herb.
Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Persimmon Calyx:
Effects and Benefits:
Relieving Rebellious Qi and Treating Hiccups and Nausea: Persimmon calyx has been traditionally used to address symptoms like hiccups and rebellious qi that can cause nausea.
Supporting Digestion and Preventing Hemorrhage: The organic acids found in persimmons can aid in digestion and stimulate appetite. Moreover, persimmons have astringent properties that can help control bleeding.
Alcohol Metabolism: Persimmons can enhance the oxidation of ethanol in the blood, facilitating the body's elimination of alcohol and reducing the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Persimmons have been associated with blood pressure reduction, vessel relaxation, increased coronary artery flow, and improved cardiovascular function.
Lung Nourishment and Fluid Production: Persimmons can provide essential nutrients and replenish bodily fluids. They have a moistening effect, which can benefit the lungs and alleviate dryness.
Iodine Deficiency: Persimmons contain a substantial amount of vitamins and iodine, making them useful in the treatment of iodine-deficiency-related thyroid enlargement.
While persimmons are a popular fruit known for their sweet and rich taste, they are also nutritionally rich. They contain approximately 1-2 times more vitamins and sugars than most other fruits. Consuming just one persimmon a day can provide about half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Therefore, eating persimmons is considered beneficial for one's health.
When consuming persimmons, it's advisable to avoid eating the skin. The white substance on the surface of dried persimmon, known as "persimmon frost," should not be discarded as it can be beneficial. It has a moistening effect on the lungs and can be used to address symptoms like dry throat and mouth sores. Persimmon calyx can help alleviate symptoms related to the lungs, such as dry cough, dry throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fresh persimmons have a cooling and blood-staunching effect, while persimmon frost can moisten the lungs and be used for symptoms like dry throat and mouth ulcers.
In summary, persimmon calyx has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine, with applications that range from addressing hiccups and nausea to supporting digestion, alcohol metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. The fruit's nutrient-rich properties make it a valuable addition to one's diet.
Specific Medicinal Formulas and Treatments:
Persimmon calyx can be used in various medicinal formulas for different ailments, including treating hiccups, vomiting, bleeding disorders, and more, as outlined in traditional Chinese medicine texts.
Treatment for Hiccups: Charred persimmon calyx is finely powdered and taken with yellow rice wine or prepared with ginger juice and sugar.
Hiccup Relief: A combination of persimmon calyx, clove, and ginseng is ground into fine powder, and this mixture is boiled in water and consumed after a meal.
Relief from Persistent Hiccups and Cough: A mixture of persimmon calyx, cloves, and ginger (five slices) is simmered until reduced by a third. The decoction is strained and consumed when hot.
Treatment for Hematuria: Charred persimmon calyx is finely powdered and ingested with empty stomach rice.
Treatment for Whooping Cough: Charred persimmon calyx (dried in a shady place) is used in a dosage of four qian (about 16 grams). It is mixed with white sugar and water, simmered until the volume reduces by half, and consumed in divided doses over multiple days.
These traditional remedies indicate the versatility of persimmon calyx in treating various health conditions, and they are indicative of the significance of this herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
Persimmon calyx, known in Chinese medicine as "Shi Di," refers to the dried calyx of the persimmon tree, a member of the Ebenaceae family. These calyces are collected during the winter when the fruit is ripe and used for various health and medicinal purposes. They are cleaned and dried before use. So, what are the effects and benefits of persimmon calyx, and what should be kept in mind regarding its usage and potential contraindications? Let's delve into the uses and effects of this traditional Chinese medicinal herb.
Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Persimmon Calyx:
Effects and Benefits:
Relieving Rebellious Qi and Treating Hiccups and Nausea: Persimmon calyx has been traditionally used to address symptoms like hiccups and rebellious qi that can cause nausea.
Supporting Digestion and Preventing Hemorrhage: The organic acids found in persimmons can aid in digestion and stimulate appetite. Moreover, persimmons have astringent properties that can help control bleeding.
Alcohol Metabolism: Persimmons can enhance the oxidation of ethanol in the blood, facilitating the body's elimination of alcohol and reducing the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Persimmons have been associated with blood pressure reduction, vessel relaxation, increased coronary artery flow, and improved cardiovascular function.
Lung Nourishment and Fluid Production: Persimmons can provide essential nutrients and replenish bodily fluids. They have a moistening effect, which can benefit the lungs and alleviate dryness.
Iodine Deficiency: Persimmons contain a substantial amount of vitamins and iodine, making them useful in the treatment of iodine-deficiency-related thyroid enlargement.
While persimmons are a popular fruit known for their sweet and rich taste, they are also nutritionally rich. They contain approximately 1-2 times more vitamins and sugars than most other fruits. Consuming just one persimmon a day can provide about half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Therefore, eating persimmons is considered beneficial for one's health.
When consuming persimmons, it's advisable to avoid eating the skin. The white substance on the surface of dried persimmon, known as "persimmon frost," should not be discarded as it can be beneficial. It has a moistening effect on the lungs and can be used to address symptoms like dry throat and mouth sores. Persimmon calyx can help alleviate symptoms related to the lungs, such as dry cough, dry throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fresh persimmons have a cooling and blood-staunching effect, while persimmon frost can moisten the lungs and be used for symptoms like dry throat and mouth ulcers.
In summary, persimmon calyx has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine, with applications that range from addressing hiccups and nausea to supporting digestion, alcohol metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. The fruit's nutrient-rich properties make it a valuable addition to one's diet.
Specific Medicinal Formulas and Treatments:
Persimmon calyx can be used in various medicinal formulas for different ailments, including treating hiccups, vomiting, bleeding disorders, and more, as outlined in traditional Chinese medicine texts.
Treatment for Hiccups: Charred persimmon calyx is finely powdered and taken with yellow rice wine or prepared with ginger juice and sugar.
Hiccup Relief: A combination of persimmon calyx, clove, and ginseng is ground into fine powder, and this mixture is boiled in water and consumed after a meal.
Relief from Persistent Hiccups and Cough: A mixture of persimmon calyx, cloves, and ginger (five slices) is simmered until reduced by a third. The decoction is strained and consumed when hot.
Treatment for Hematuria: Charred persimmon calyx is finely powdered and ingested with empty stomach rice.
Treatment for Whooping Cough: Charred persimmon calyx (dried in a shady place) is used in a dosage of four qian (about 16 grams). It is mixed with white sugar and water, simmered until the volume reduces by half, and consumed in divided doses over multiple days.
These traditional remedies indicate the versatility of persimmon calyx in treating various health conditions, and they are indicative of the significance of this herb in traditional Chinese medicine.