What is Pear Skin?
Pear Skins, or Li Pi in Chinese, are not just a byproduct. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used pear skin of Chinese white pears for everything from moistening the lungs and stomach, reducing fire, and promoting the production of bodily fluids. These therapeutic uses may help with polydipsia, coughing with bloody sputum, vomiting blood, back pain, and skin boils. Recognized as a "Tonic Herb for Yin Deficiency," pear skin is used to replenish one of the 'Four Treasures'—Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang—particularly when there is a deficiency.
Benefits of Pear Skin
Anti-inflammatory: Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, pear skin possesses anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it beneficial for reducing swelling and pain associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis and gout.
Immune Boosting: The skin of a pear is laden with vitamin C and other nutrients like copper and manganese, contributing to a robust immune system. Regular consumption can aid in warding off illnesses such as the common cold and flu.
Digestive Aid: A high fiber content in pear skin, including pectin, aids in digestion regulation and cholesterol reduction. Dietary fiber also helps better bowel movements.
Skincare: With antioxidants aplenty, pear skin protects against free radical damage, promoting a youthful complexion. It can also be applied topically to soothe skin irritations.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Certain compounds in pear skin have shown potential in combating cancer cells, particularly in the colon and breast.
Photo by Masahiro Naruse / Unsplash
TCM Classification of Pear Skins
Pear Skin is classified as a cool, slightly sweet and sour herb that serves Lung and Stomach meridians. It's known to alleviate internal heat and nourish yin. Asian pear skin is attributed to resolving mucus excess, stopping coughs, nourishing lung qi, alleviating restlessness, dissolving mucus, mitigating retina pain, and lowering cholesterol. These actions are particularly important in TCM food therapy, where seasonal foods like Asian pears are consumed for their health benefits.
Important TCM insights about Pear Skins:
Cooling Heat: Pear Skins are used to cool the body from excessive heat-related conditions.
Eliminating Phlegm: Effective for treating coughs and phlegm accumulation.
Strengthening the Spleen: Supports a stronger digestive system.
Moistening Dryness: Helps in conditions like dry coughs or bloody coughing due to its moistening effect.
How to Use
We love using pear skin in tea and soups.
Pear Skin Tea: Steep 5 grams of dried Pear Skin in 3 cups of water for 15 minutes to make a tea that tackles cough and phlegm while supporting digestion.
Pear Skin and White Fungus Soup: Combine Soaked Pear Skin and White Fungus with Water, Chicken Breast, and Red Dates in a pot. Simmer to create a nourishing soup that benefits the lungs, skin, and immune health.
The Takeaway
Pear Skins hold a special place in Traditional Chinese Medicine because of their cooling effects and ability to clear heat. They are almost never eaten alone but rather as part of a larger formula. To harness these benefits yourself, consider adding pear skin to your diet. Always consult with a licensed TCM practitioner to ensure correct usage is tailored to your individual needs and health conditions.