Properties: Sweet, sour, cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Stomach, Gallbladder, Spleen and Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Clears Heat, alleviates thirst
Heat vexation with restlessness and insomnia
Diabetes mellitus (消渴 Xiao Ke)
Dry cough due to Lung Dryness
- Regulates the Middle and Lower Jiao
Indigestion
Constipation, haemorrhoids
- Frees urination
Stone Lin Syndrome
Damp-heat jaundice
- Expels Bi and regulates Qi and Blood
Hot Bi Syndromes
- Delays ageing
Premature greying of hair
Suggested Daily Dosage: 60-150g in decoction or eaten as food.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in case of Deficiency Cold in the Spleen and Stomach with loose stools, frequent urination or excessive menstruation.
Do not drink milk immediately after eating kiwi fruit as it may cause bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.
Notable Constituents:
- Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent with functions in fighting bacterial infections, detoxifying reactions, iron absorption and the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. It cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet. Kiwis contain approximately 92.7 mg / 100 g, almost double that of oranges or lemons.
- Actinidain
Protease enzyme used to tenderise tough meats.
- Serotonin
Hormone, monoamine neurotransmitter and biochemical messenger that mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, haemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. It is also a precursor to melatonin, another hormone that is of primary importance to regulating sleep rhythms. Kiwis contain 5.8 µg / g, which may explain the research that suggests kiwi fruits assist with sleep quality (Doherty et al., 2023; Lin et al., 2011).
- Inositol
A pseudovitamin with a structural similarity to glucose, and is involved in cellular signalling. It is widely used as a dietary supplement to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate hormones, and support mental health.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
