Longan (Euphoria longan) is a wonderful and delicious tonic fruit used by the Chinese as a blood tonic, to build energy (Qi), calm the mind, strengthen the Spleen, tonify the Qi of the heart, and to add luster and beauty to the skin. Its Chinese name is Long Yan Rou, which means Dragon Eye Meat. Of course, being a fruit, it is not really “meat.” Longan (“dragon eyes”) is so named because when the fruit is fresh, the flesh of the peeled fruit is a translucent white color. The dark brown seed shows through the translucent flesh and looks like the pupil of an eye. As a result, the fruit looks like the bulging eyes of the dragons often depicted in Chinese art. The seed, which is small, round and hard has been removed, of course, from the Longan sold for snacking and general eating. The dried fruit becomes a lovely golden color and has a unique flavor unlike any other dried fruit. 

Longan is called "Dragon Eye" in Chinese, and a look inside a fresh Longan explains the name.

It is believed among the Chinese people that Longan is not only great for the skin, but is also a fantastic sex tonic, especially for women. For that reason, Longan is considered a special tonic for women who wish to be both beautiful and sexual — it has a 2000 year reputation as a special love tonic. It is said that the most beautiful women in China eat Longan. It is believed to have a calming effect and to add radiance to the eyes. 

Longan is not really just a “woman’s herb” though. Longan is equally beneficial to men. It has no direct hormonal action. It may be consumed by men as they please as an excellent blood, Qi and Shen tonic. Longan is totally unisex and may be enjoyed by people of all ages and in any kind of health condition.*

Dragon Herbs Longan plantation bearing a bounty of juicy sweet fruit.

Ron climbing one of our longan trees at the farm in Southern China.

Longan is one of the premier blood tonics of Chinese tonic herbalism. This fruit has a high content of iron, about 20 times that of grapes and 15 times that of spinach. Those with iron excess should be aware of this. 

Longan promotes tranquility and can promote deep, refreshing sleep. Traditionally, it is used to increase physical stamina and promote peripheral circulation, warming up cold hands and feet. 

Left: At the center of Dragon Herbs Longan plantation is a Taoist shrine where locals congregate to pray for blessings, a bountiful harvest and peace.

Middle: Yanlin at an incense burner at the entrance to the Taoist shrine.

Right: View of the Dragon Herbs Longan plantation in Southern China from the Taoist shrine at the center.