Use of Ren Shen Guo (pepino melons) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Take the whole plant, remove debris, clean and dry

Dosage: 9 to 12 g

Main actions according to TCM*: Strengthens the Spleen and the Kidneys. Unblocks Channels and Meridians. Invigorates Blood and detoxifies.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Ren Shen Guo may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Vertigo Insomnia Excessive thirst Loss of appetite Irregular menstruation Snake bites

Key TCM concepts behind Ren Shen Guo's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ren Shen Guo belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

Furthermore Ren Shen Guo is Warm in nature. This means that Ren Shen Guo tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Ren Shen Guo can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Ren Shen Guo also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Ren Shen Guo tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Ren Shen Guo is thought to target the

Use of Ren Shen Guo as food

Ren Shen Guo is also eaten as food.