Is Mulberry Considered a Hot or Cold Food in Chinese Medicine?

Mulberry fruit, a familiar sight in our daily lives, is a delicious and juicy fruit that is popular among all ages. However, despite its appealing taste, it should not be consumed excessively, and certain individuals should avoid it due to its cooling properties. This fruit is unsuitable for those with spleen deficiency and loose stools, as well as women during menstruation.

Mulberry fruit, the mature fruit of the mulberry plant, is produced in most parts of the country, with higher yields in southern silkworm-raising areas. It is cold in nature, sweet and sour in taste, and affiliated with the heart, liver, and kidney meridians. It has the effect of nourishing yin and enriching blood, and can be used to treat various conditions such as yin deficiency, blood deficiency, dry mouth and thirst, diabetes, constipation due to blood deficiency and dry intestines, premature graying of hair, blurred vision, dizziness, restless insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, hot palms and feet, spermatorrhea, tinnitus, scanty and pale menstrual flow, sallow complexion, and fatigue.

Due to its cooling nature, it is not suitable for individuals with spleen deficiency and loose stools.

Mulberry fruit is rich in nutritional components that offer various health benefits:

1. Prevents Vascular Hardening: Mulberry contains fatty acids, mainly composed of linoleic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, which help break down fat, lower blood lipids, and prevent vascular hardening.
2. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, Aids Digestion: Mulberry contains tannic acid, fatty acids, malic acid, and other nutrients that aid in the digestion of fat, protein, and starch, thereby strengthening the spleen and stomach and promoting digestion. It can be used to treat diarrhea caused by indigestion.
3. Supplements Nutrition: Mulberry contains a large amount of water, carbohydrates, various vitamins, carotenoids, and essential trace elements for the human body. It effectively expands the blood volume of the body, supplements without causing greasiness, and is suitable for dietary therapy for hypertension and women's health issues.
4. Promotes Hair Health and Beauty: Mulberry contains a large amount of nutrients necessary for the human body, including melanin, which can make hair dark and shiny, making it useful for hair care and beauty.
5. Prevents Cancer: Mulberry contains components such as rutoside, anthocyanins, glucose, fructose, malic acid, calcium, inorganic salts, carotenoids, various vitamins, and nicotinic acid, which have the effect of preventing the spread of tumor cells and reducing the risk of cancer.
6. Treats Anemia: A combination of fresh mulberry fruit and longan can effectively treat anemia symptoms and promote blood enrichment.

In conclusion, mulberry fruit, despite its delicious taste, should be consumed with caution due to its cooling properties. However, its rich nutritional value and various health benefits make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet for many individuals.