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Chestnut
Castanea mollissima Bl,
CHINESE CHESTNUT, LI GUO
The chestnut, li guo, is also
called ban li (board chestnut), mao li (hair chestnut) and li zi (chestnut
seed). A deciduous tall tree, it can grow to 15-20 metres. The fruit is
shaped like half a ball, flat on one side and round on the other with a
diameter of 20-40 mm.
The outer shell is of a hard, woody substance, dusty red-brown or dark
brown. Inside is a thin skin surrounding the flesh. The flesh is pale yellow
and powdery, the flavor sweet and fragrant. The fruit is gathered in the
autumn and its nature is warm.
The fruit invigorates vital energy, helps produce semen, and benefits the
body gradually. It contains protein, oil, starch, carbohydrate, lipase,
vitamins B1, B2, etc. The shell contains tannin.
APPLICATIONS
1. CHRONIC THROAT INFLAMMATION. Take 30-60 grams of fresh chestnuts, discard
the shell. Slowly chew, then eat. Do this every day 3 times.
2. WEAKNESS AFTER ILLNESS; HANDS AND FEET LIMP, ACHING AND PART PARALYZED.
Take 30-60 grams of fresh or dried chestnut kernels and an appropriate
measure of brown sugar. Add water and steam till cooked. Serve every evening
before bed.
3. KIDNEY PROBLEMS CAUSING FREQUENT URINATING; NO STRENGTH IN WAIST AND
LEGS. Take 30 grams of chestnuts and roast them, then eat. Do this daily in
the morning and in the evening.
4. ASTHMA COUGH ASSOCIATED WITH A DEFICIENCY OF VITAL ENERGY. Take 60 grams
of fresh chestnuts and 4 pieces of red Chinese date plus an appropriate
amount of lean pork. Add water and simmer till cooked. Eat this once daily.
5. DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN. Take 15 grams of chestnuts and half a piece of
dried persimmon cake. Grind them together into a paste, add a little water
and simmer till cooked, then eat.
6. SMALL CHILDREN, LACK OF STRENGTH IN THE FOOT.' Take 2-3 pieces of fresh
chestnut and serve daily, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
7. SPRAINS; FOREIGN MATTER IN WOUNDS. Take a number of fresh chestnuts,
crush the kernels and spread on the affected parts.
8. BLEEDING FROM EXTERNAL WOUND. Take a number of pieces of fresh chestnuts,
crush into a paste and spread on the affected parts. Alternatively take some
charcoal made from the outer shell of the nut, .grind it into a fine powder
and sprinkle on the affected place.
9. HEMORRHOIDS, BLEEDING. Take 6 grams of charcoal made from the shells of
the chestnut. Grind it to powder and add 30 grams of candied honey. Blend
with a little boiled water and serve.
PREPARATIONS
1. DRIED SHELLS. The shells may be dried in the sun.
2. DRIED SEEDS. The chestnuts may be dried in the sun or by the fire.
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