Golden Luo Han Guo 黄金罗汉果

Luó hàn guǒ (Monk Fruit; 罗汉果) is high in Vitamin C and is commonly boiled and served as a cooling tea to treat respiratory ailments such as sore throat and chronic dry coughs. It is also rich in mogrosides, which are natural compounds that give the fruit its sweetness but do not increase blood sugar levels. It is therefore safe for people with diabetes.

Benefits:
● Clears heat and moistens the lungs
● Relieves dry chronic cough or cough with signs of heat due to lung Yin deficiency, such as dry cough with little or no phlegm, phlegm that is little and difficult to expectorate, dry itchy throat, blood-streaked sputum, etc.
● Relieves heat-phlegm coughs with sticky yellow phlegm that is hard to expel, accompanied by flushed complexion, red lips, and feeling of thirst
● Relieves sore throat, voice hoarseness, and feeling of thirst
● Reduces inflammation and throat swelling 
● Lubricates the intestines and relieves constipation
● Reduces swollen lymph nodes 

Dosage:
9g to 15g

Storage:
Best kept refrigerated

How to make luó hàn guǒ tea:
Wash herbs before use. Crush one luó hàn guǒ (罗汉果) and add it together with 9g chrysanthemum buds (胎菊) into 1.5 litre of water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for around 30 minutes. Add in a handful of wolfberries in the last five minutes before turning off the heat. Serve it warm. 

In TCM, 'heatiness' suggests an excess of Yang energy or deficiency of Yin. Apart from the hot weather, poor diet and lifestyle can also cause 'heatiness' to manifest in the body. For instance, frequently staying up late, overworking without adequate rest, consuming excessive 'heaty' foods, etc.

Examples of 'heaty' foods:
● Deep-fried, greasy or spicy foods
● Chicken, beef, or lamb meats
● Fruits such as durian, mango, longan, or lychee
● Alcohol, coffee, red tea, or chocolate beverages

Some signs of 'heatiness' or Yin deficiency include:
● Warm, feverish palms and soles
● Sore throat, fever, or ulcers in the mouth
● Hard and dry stools or constipation
● Dark or yellow urine
● Dry or bloodshot eyes
● Skin issues such as acne, eczema, and hives
● Feelings of restlessness, irritability, vexation, agitation, or anxiety
● Dream-disturbed sleep or insomnia
● Dry cough or cough with thick yellow phlegm

Note:
The information above serves as a general guide only. Please consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Golden luó hàn guǒ 黄金罗汉果

Origin:
Guangxi, China