Source Chinese Quince Fruit is the dried fruit of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai or C sinensis (Thouin) Koehne, family Rosaceae.
Producing Areas Sichuan, Anhui, Zhejiang and Hubei, etc.
Properties Sour, Slightly Warm
Channels Liver, Spleen
ACTION
- Relaxes the sinews and dredges the Channels
For stiffness and spasms of the sinews, muscular stiffness and spasms, and muscular atrophy. This is one of the best herbs for relaxing the sinews. Also for weakness and pain in the lower back. - Regulates the stomach and resolves dampness
For abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea. Also for cramps of the calves, and edema in the legs. - Usage and Dosage
6–9 g is used in decoction for oral use.
The steamed is for relaxing tendons, muscles and relieving Bi syndrome.
The stir-baked is for vomiting and diarrhoea.
Storage
Keep in a ventilated, dry place. Prevent from mould and moths.
Note
Use with caution for person suffering from hyperacidity, food accumulation and stagnation. Excessive consumption may damage the teeth.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one has a compact, shrunken surface, with thick pulp, reddish in colour, and is sour.
Professional Tips
Identifying Fructus Chaenmoles (xuan mugua) and Carica Papaya L. (pang mugua)
Fructus Chaenmoles is used as a medicinal herb.
Source: Various areas in China, including Xuancheng in Anhui province.
Characteristics: The fruit is oval, thick and fragrant. In the dried form, it is hard as wood, with a warm nature and sour taste, and valued for its medicinal benefits.
Note: It is referred to as dried papaya or papaya (dry product) in the medicinal recipes featured in this book.
Carica Papaya is consumed as a fresh fruit.
Source: Originated in southern part of Mexico and other parts of Central America, and later introduced to China. Now prevalent in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, West Indies, Florida, Hawaii as well as the Chinese areas of Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Fujian and Taiwan.
Characteristics: The fruit is large, up to 30 cm in length and 20 cm in diameter. The peel is thin and orange-yellow in colour. The fruit is thick, fragrant and slightly sweet. It is rich in Vitamin C and aids in digestion. The unripe fruit is green and may be used as a garnish for fish and meat dishes.