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| Latin: |
Prunus mume |
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| Origin: |
Prunes are the dried fruit of any of a number of varieties of plum tree. Plum varieties that can be or have been dried without resulting in fermentation are called prunes. It is the fruit of the plants Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. of the Rosaceae family.
Such plums have firm flesh and contain a sufficiently high level of sugar, qualities that favor their being preserved by drying, which is done in dehydrators or in the sun. Dried prunes keep far longer than do fresh plums.
See also Food, Fruits, Plum; and Herbs, Astringents, Black Plum. |
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| Properties: |
| Sweet and sour in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the channels of the liver and stomach. |
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| Functions: |
| Produces yin (body fluids), checks diarrhea. |
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| Applications: |
| Prune is used for thirst, diarrhea and indigestion. |
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| Dosage and Administration: |
| Consume the dried prune. |
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| Cautions on Use: |
| Do not eat too much prune as it can cause stomach stuffiness. |
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| Reference Materials: |
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| Toxic or Side Effects: |
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| Modern Researches: |
| Prune is high in fiber, rich in phosphorus, and contains iron and potassium. |
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