Loquat
Aliases：Lajun, Jinwan (lit. golden pill), Luju
Pipa (Loquat Fruit) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried or fresh ripe fruit of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. (family Rosaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Moisten the Lung Quench thirst Direct Qi downward
Indications
1. Clear the Lung and stop cough: Indicated for lung heat cough with yellow and sticky sputum, or lung dryness cough with dry cough without sputum. 2. Direct rebellious Qi downward to stop vomiting: Indicated for vomiting and hiccup due to stomach heat.
Modern Pharmacology
The organic acids it contains can stimulate the digestive glands and enhance appetite. Its rich carotene content helps protect eyesight.
Ingredients
It contains carbohydrates, dietary fiber, organic acids, vitamins, carotene, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: Consumed raw or decocted, 30–60 g.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in cases of stomach cold vomiting and lung cold cough. Fresh leaves contain hairs; the hairs must be brushed off or the leaves processed before use; otherwise, they may cause throat itching and coughing. The herb must be professionally processed (e.g., removal of hairs, cutting into shreds, honey‑frying) before being used medicinally.
Selected Formulas
1. Pipa Qingfei Yin (Loquat Leaf Decoction for Clearing the Lung) Composition: Eriobotryae Folium (Pipaye), Mori Cortex (Sangbaipi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (Huangbai), etc. Actions: Clears and drains wind‑heat from the Lung meridian. Indication: Lung wind alcohol rash (acne). 2. Pipa Ye Yin (Loquat Leaf Decoction) Composition: Eriobotryae Folium (Pipaye), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia), Poria (Fuling), Imperatae Rhizoma (Maogen), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang, sliced ginger). Actions: Stops vomiting and relieves diaphragm stuffiness. 3. Baiji Pipa Wan (Bletilla and Loquat Leaf Pill) Composition: Bletillae Rhizoma (Baiji), Eriobotryae Folium (Pipaye), Nelumbinis Nodus Rhizomatis (Oujie), Cyclinae Concha (Gefen, clam powder). Actions: Nourishes Yin and clears the Lung, stops cough and stops bleeding. Indication: Hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
Daily Consumption
. Fresh Eating (Simplest Method) Method: Select ripe loquats (orange‑yellow skin, slightly soft). Wash, peel, remove the seeds, and eat the fresh flesh directly. Characteristics: Preserves vitamins and dietary fiber to the greatest extent; quenches thirst and promotes fluid production. Recommended daily amount: No more than 10 fruits (about 200–350 g) per day to avoid excessive fructose intake or gastrointestinal discomfort. II. Loquat Sweet Soup (Moistens the Lung and Stops Cough) Ingredients: 500 g fresh loquats, 30–50 g rock sugar, adequate water. Preparation: Wash loquats, peel and remove seeds, then cut the flesh into pieces. Add water to a pot (enough to cover the loquats) and rock sugar, bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Add the loquat pieces, simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until the fruit softens. Action: Moistens the lung, stops cough, relieves dry throat and dry cough (especially suitable for lung‑dryness cough). Note: Not suitable for diabetics. People with profuse thin phlegm or spleen deficiency with loose stools should eat less. III. Loquat and Snow Fungus Dessert (Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness) Ingredients: 5–6 loquats, 10 g dried snow fungus (Tremella), 3–5 red dates, rock sugar to taste. Preparation: Soak the snow fungus in advance until rehydrated, tear into small florets, then simmer for 30 minutes until it releases its gelatinous texture. Add red dates and loquat flesh (seeds and peel removed), and cook for another 10 minutes. Add rock sugar to taste. Action: Nourishes yin and moistens the lung; beautifies the skin. Suitable for dry autumn weather. IV. Loquat Jam (For Preservation) Ingredients: 1000 g loquat flesh, 300–400 g granulated sugar, ½ lemon (juice only). Preparation: Peel and seed the loquats, then chop or puree the flesh. Mix with sugar and let stand for 1 hour to release juice. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly. Add lemon juice, continue cooking until thick, then turn off the heat. Transfer to sterilized glass jars, seal, and invert to cool. Usage: Spread on bread, mix with yogurt, etc. V. Other Simple Ideas Loquat Yogurt Bowl: Cut fresh loquat into pieces and mix with plain yogurt and nuts. Loquat Salad: Combine with lettuce, chicken breast, and vinaigrette dressing. Loquat Smoothie: Blend frozen loquat flesh with milk or yogurt to make a smoothie.
Medicinal Parts
The medicinal part of loquat is primarily the leaf (official pharmacopoeia item), while the fruit is mainly used as food. Other parts (flowers, seeds, roots) are also used in small amounts.
Selection & Storage
Fresh fruit Store in a cool, dry, and well‑ventilated place. It can be kept at room temperature for 5–7 days. Refrigeration is not recommended, as low temperatures may damage the flesh (freeze injury). Dried herbal parts (leaves, flowers, roots, etc.) Keep in a cool, dry location, sealed to prevent moisture absorption and insect infestation. Loquat leaves (special note) Must be thoroughly dried before sealing for storage. Pay attention to mold prevention. Purchasing and inspection advice Fresh fruit should be bought as needed and consumed soon after purchase. Dried products should be inspected regularly; if signs of dampness or insect damage are found, address them promptly.