1. Description
European pear (scientific name: Pyrus communis, also known as common pear, Chinese Pinyin: Xi Yang Li, Simplified Chinese: 西洋梨), is a species of deciduous, fruit-bearing tree with white flower and green to red fruits in genus Pyrus in the rose family, Rosaceae. The plant can grow up to 15 m tall. The European pears are generally described as with bold sweet flavor, fragrance, and buttery texture. Habitats of European pear include valley, wasteland and hillsides. Native to eastern Europe and southwest Asia, the plant was introduced into China in 1900, it is now extensively cultivated in the temperate regions in the world. Characteristics of European pear include tolerance for drought, flooding and salt-affected soils. The fruits of European pear is used as heat-clearing drug and detoxicant in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as cough with lung heat.
Other simplified Chinese names for European pear include: 茄梨, 葫芦梨, 巴梨, 米格阿木觉, 洋梨, 美国啤梨.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels
The fruits of European pear are considered to have sweet, mildly sour, mildly bitter, cold and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the lung, stomach, heart and liver meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of European Pear & Medical Formulas
3.1 Cancer Prevention
Cancer is a severe disease that develops when the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in human body’s cells becomes disrupted which results in rapid, uncontrollable cellular growth and ultimately a tumour. European pears contain hydroxycinnamic acid which has serious cancer fighting properties and therefore can help to prevent cancers.
3.2 Clear Excessive Internal Heat
European pear’s astringent ingredients help clear away excess internal heat in our human body and treat the symptoms related to accumulated lung heat, such as coughing, fever, chest pain, sore throat, and excessive phlegm.
Steamed or boiled pear with rock sugar is taken orally to help produce saliva and slake thirst, and clear away lung heat.
3.3 Regulates Bowel Movements
European pear is a very good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps to facilitate the movement of material through our digestive system and regulates bowel movement, which in turn benefits those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools.
3.4 Good For Pregnancy
European pears are safe to eat during pregnancy; they are low in calories and contain several nutrients that are especially important for expecting moms, including Riboflavin (vit. B2), Thiamine (vit. B1), Pantothenic acid (B5), Niacin (vit. B3), Folate (vit. B9), Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron, Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus and Zinc.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions
Administration with caution for people with excess stomach acid (pear has high content of tartaric acid) and diabetes.
Simultaneous intake of European pears and crabs is NOT recommended.
This is what European pears look like. (Image source: www.quanjing.com)
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.