Okra
Aliases：Mao Qie、Huang Shu Kui
Qiukui (Okra) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is derived from the root, leaf, flower, or seed of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench [syn. Hibiscus esculentus L.] (family Malvaceae). It has been introduced and cultivated in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Taiwan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other regions of China. It is native to India.
Efficacy & Actions
Relieve sore throat, relieve strangury, promote lactation, and regulate menstruation.
Indications
It is used for sore throat, difficult and painful urination (strangury), scanty lactation after childbirth, and irregular menstruation.
Modern Pharmacology
Regular consumption of okra helps protect the skin, aid digestion and fortify the stomach, regulate the stomach and intestines, clear liver toxins, as well as support sexual health and kidney function, and enhance immune function.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Quercetin, hyperoside, rutin, kaempferol, etc. (antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti‑inflammatory) Polysaccharides / Pectins: Pectin, viscous glycoproteins (hypoglycemic, lipid‑lowering, gastrointestinal protection) Phenolic acids: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid (antioxidant) Terpenoids and volatile oils: Monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids (aroma, antioxidant) Sterols: Stigmasterol, β‑sitosterol (cholesterol regulation, anti‑inflammatory) Organic acids: Tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid (flavor) Others: Alkaloids, coumarins, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold.
Selected Formulas
1. For heat-related sore throat (from New Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine Illustrations and Classic Formulas, Vol. 2) Take 6–9 g each of okra flower and Xinyihua (Magnolia flower, wrapped in a cloth for decoction), together with 3 g of Bohe (mint). Decoct in water and drink. 2. For painful stranguria due to heat (from New Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine Illustrations and Classic Formulas, Vol. 2) Take 10–15 g each of okra root, Baimaogen (Imperata root), and Cheqiancao (Plantago herb). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Cold salad: Blanch 5-8 fresh okra 2-3 min, mix with garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil. Stir-fry: Slice, quick-fry with garlic 2-3 min. Scrambled eggs: Mix sliced okra with beaten eggs, cook. Soup: Simmer 5-6 okra with pork ribs/lean pork 1 hour. Tea (dried): Steep 5-10g dried slices in boiling water 10 min. Steamed egg: Spread thin slices on egg mixture, steam 8-10 min. Dosage: Fresh 100-150g/time; dried 5-10g/day. Caution: Avoid in spleen-stomach deficiency cold, pregnancy, menstruation; limit for kidney disease (oxalate).
Medicinal Parts
tender pod (capsule)
Selection & Storage
Fresh product: Store in the refrigerator at 4–8 °C; can be kept for 3–5 days. Dried product: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture.