TCM Materia Medica: Pear
There are many different varieties of pear, and the ones we eat in Europe are quite different from those found in Asia, which are more apple-like in appearance and texture. However, all are juicy, sweet, and rich in fibre, vitamin C, and potassium as well as various antioxidant compounds. They have traditionally been used to relieve coughs, constipation, and hangovers.
In Chinese medicine, pears are known as one of the best foods for moistening the Lung and are primarily used to relieve coughs and resolve phlegm. They also influence the Stomach channel.
With their cold nature and sweet flavour, pears engender fluids and moisten dryness, particularly affecting the respiratory tract and skin. They also have heat-clearing and phlegm-transforming properties and can be used when hot conditions have damaged body fluids or phlegm is causing obstructions.
However, as they are a cold-natured food, pears should not be eaten by those with Stomach and Spleen deficiency-cold, characterised by vomiting and sloppy stools, or those recovering from childbirth or serious illness.
The full TCM properties of pears, including actions, indications, and cautions, are as follows:
Actions:
Promote fluid secretion
Moisten dryness
Clear heat
Transform phlegm
Indications:
Cough
Thirst with frequent urination
Phlegm-heat type fright mania
Dysphagia
Constipation
Cautions:
Stomach and Spleen deficiency-cold
Vomiting
Sloppy stools
Recovery from childbirth or serious injury
Related recipe:
For more healthy eating tips according to traditional Chinese medicine, visit the Dietary Therapy section of the website, or book a consultation for personalised advice.