1. Description:
Japanese apricot (scientific name: Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc., also known as Chinese plum and Japanese apricot; Chinese Pinyin: Lv E, Simplified Chinese: 绿萼梅), is an Asian deciduous tree species in genus Prunus (botanical rose family, Rosaceae). Originated in the south of mainland China around the Yangtze River (Jiangsu, Zhejiang), the plant can grow up to 10 m tall. The flower of Prunus mume is used as antibloat drug and an aid for digestion in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as indigestion.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The flower of Prunus mume is considered to have sour, astringent and neutral properties and to be associated with the liver, stomach and lung meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Prunus Mume & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Breast Lump
Steamed egg with Prunus mume flower is taken orally to treat breast lumps.
3.2 Aid Digestion
Congee of polished round-grained rice and Prunus mume flower is taken regularly to nourish the stomach and aid digestion.
3.3 Summerheat Stroke
Prunus mume flower tea is taken daily to treat summerheat stroke and clear internal heat.
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.