Professor Yang Li of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Science says that mulberry is the best fruit in grain in ears season. More than 2000 years ago, mulberry is an article of tribute to the royals as restoratives. Ripe mulberries are sweet and juicy, and are regarded by commoners as a magical fruit.

According to the Chinese medicine classics, mulberries have the function of nourishing our hearts, stomachs, livers, kidneys, eyes and hair. It moisturizes the intestinal canals and promotes the production of bodily fluid.

According to theories of western medicine, mulberries have rich glucose, sucrose, fructose, carotene Vitamins (VA, VB1, VB2 and VC), hydroxysuccinic acid, butanedioic acid, tartaric acid and mineral substance such as Cl, P, Cu, Fe, and Zn. These berries are grown in a pollution-free environment, hence making this fruit very good for health. .

If one eats mulberries on a regular basis, he or she is said to have smooth skin, healthy hair, good eyesight, and strong resistance to illnesses. Studies have also shown that these promote the production of red and white blood cells, and help cure diabetes, anemia, hyperlipemia, coronary disease and neurasthenia.

What to watch out for

Mulberries contain allergic materials and hyaluric acid. A high intake of them will cause hemolytic enteritis. So children should not eat too much of these berries.  Mulberries contain tannic acid. This acid will inhibit our bodies’ absorption of mineral materials, as well as causing indigestions. People with sensitive stomachs should not be gorging on too many mulberries.

Like most fruits, mulberries have a lot of sugar, so diabetics should stay away from these berries..  There are two kinds of mulberries. The dark purple ones are better than the white ones. The unripe ones must not be eaten.

Some folk prescriptions involving mulberries

To help cure rheumatoid arthritis—Boil 30 to 60 grams of fresh dark purple mulberries, eat the berries and drink the soup.

To help cure anemia—Steep 500 grams of fresh mulberries in 1000 ml of wine. After one or two months, drink the wine for twice and two cups a day.

To supplement blood and cure irregular menstruation—Stew some mulberries into paste. Mix 10 to 15 grams of this paste with some honey in a cup of hot water. Drink the medicated tea two or three times a day.

To cure constipation—Mix the mulberries with some crystallized sugar in a cup of hot water. Drink the tea to regular the bowel movement.

Translated by Chen Yanqiu

Editor: Wen Yi