Red dates are known for their medicinal and herbal benefits. In traditional medicine, red dates are brewed in soups or tea to help nourish the blood and improve the immune system. Many women consume red dates and longan tea during their menstruation or confinement period in order to nourish the blood and improve their immune system.
The longan fruit can be consumed fresh or brewed with soup or tea when it is sun-dried. It is said that longan and red dates together produce amazing health benefits especially in boosting our immune system and replenishing our blood.
During confinement, many women become restless in the midst of caring and nursing their newborn. Longan has been proven to promote a sense of calmness and enhance sleep. Because of its calming properties, longan are also used as anti-depressants in traditional Chinese medicine as they have shown to have an effect on the central nervous system.
Chinese red dates have very high content of Vitamin C. They also contain several other vitamins like Vitamin A, B1, B2, protein, magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorous which makes it an excellent source of nutrients that our bodies need. In traditional Chinese medicine, red dates are known for its ability to strengthen the stomach and spleen which aids in food digestion.
In confinement, red dates are very commonly boiled with dried longan because of its “warm” properties. It is believed that regular consumption will keep the womb warm and increase fertility. Red dates also help in the stimulation of white blood cells, which can improve immunity and protect the liver. As longan is one of the main ingredients in tonics for blood medication, these two ingredients are often coupled together in soups and tea to help boost overall wellness and to strengthen the body’s immunity.
- Zara Agnes
- Founder, HCCF