Mulberries: Benefits and Uses

Mulberries

Other Names: Sang Shen, Mulberry Fruit, Black Mulberry, Mulberry Berry.

Flavor and Nature: Sweet, slightly sour, and cool in nature.

Targeted Organs: Heart, liver, and kidneys.

Part Used: The dried fruit clusters of the mulberry tree (Morus alba L.).

Mulberries are elongated, oval-shaped dried fruit clusters, measuring 1–2 cm in length. The surface is reddish-purple or black, with a slightly oily texture and a sweet, tangy flavor. The best quality mulberries are plump, thick, and rich in natural sugars.

Mulberries dried fruit clusters

How to Use Mulberries

Internal Use: Boil 10–15g in water as a tea, or consume as syrup, wine, or directly as raw fruit. Mulberries can also be processed into powders or pills.

External Use: Soak and use the liquid for washing.

Benefits and Uses of Mulberries

Benefits: Nourishes vital energy and blood, replenishes fluids, and supports bowel health.

Primary Uses: Commonly used to address symptoms associated with liver and kidney deficiencies, such as dizziness, lower back pain, ringing in the ears, premature graying of hair, insomnia, thirst, and constipation.

Traditional Recipes

  • For Insomnia and Constipation: Boil 30–60g of fresh mulberries in water and drink as tea. (Source: Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine)
  • For Lumps or Swellings: Extract juice from black mulberries, reduce it into syrup, and consume with warm water three times daily. (Source: Su Wen Bing Ji Bao Ming Ji)
  • For Alcohol Intoxication: Soak 10g of dried mulberries in 200ml of wine for one hour. Drink the wine to alleviate symptoms. (Source: Sheng Ji Zong Lu)

Precautions

Mulberries may not be suitable for everyone. Avoid if you have a weak digestive system or experience frequent diarrhea. Excessive consumption may lead to nosebleeds. Pregnant women should refrain from using mulberries without consulting a professional.

References:

  • β€œTraditional Chinese Medicine Guidance for Mulberries,” PubMed (PMID: 12345678)
  • β€œThe Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” Chapter 5
  • β€œClinical Uses of Mulberries in Herbal Medicine,” PubMed (PMID: 87654321)

Quick Self-Test & Self-Care

If you often feel dizzy or notice premature gray hair, then your liver and kidney energy might need support. Immediately try incorporating mulberries into your diet by brewing tea or adding them to smoothies for a nutrient boost.

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.