Fruits and Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine literature, fruits are classified into five different natures or properties: cold, cool, warm, hot, and neutral. The terms “cold” and “cool” as well as “hot” and “warm” share common characteristics in their effects, but they differ in their intensity, with “cold” being more extreme than “cool.”
Fruits with cold or cool properties are generally used for their ability to clear heat, relieve internal heat, or detoxify the body. They are suitable for treating conditions associated with excessive heat (such as fever, dry mouth, constipation, acne, and heat sensitivity).
On the other hand, fruits with warm or hot properties have the function of warming the body, dispelling cold, and enhancing yang energy. They are used to treat conditions associated with cold (such as chills, lack of thirst, diarrhea, and pale complexion).
Finally, fruits with a “neutral” property have a more balanced and moderate effect, neither cold nor hot in nature. Examples of neutral fruits include grapes and dates.
Fruit – 水果 shuǐguǒ

Banana
香蕉香蕉
Cold

Strawberry
草莓草莓
Cool

Grape
葡萄葡萄
Neutral

Watermelon
西瓜西瓜
Cold

Kiwi
奇異果奇异果 or 猕猴桃
Cold

Orange
柳橙橙子
Cool

Avocado
酪梨牛油果 or 鳄梨
Neutral

Pear
西洋梨梨
Cool

Peach
桃子桃子
Warm

Cherry
櫻桃樱桃 or 车厘子
Warm

Blueberry
藍莓蓝莓
Neutral

Papaya
木瓜木瓜
Neutral

Coconut
椰子椰子
Cool (meat)
Neutral (water)

Mango
芒果芒果
Warm

Pineapple
鳳梨凤梨 or 菠萝
Neutral

Apple
蘋果苹果
Neutral

Dragonfruit
火龍果火龙果
Cold

Passionfruit
百香果百香果
Neutral

Starfruit
楊桃杨桃
Cold

Durian
榴蓮榴莲
Hot

Guava
芭樂or番石榴芭乐or番石榴
Neutral

Lychee
荔枝荔枝
Warm

Longan
龍眼龙眼
Warm

Wax apple
蓮霧莲雾
Neutral

Custard apple
釋迦释迦
Warm

Mangosteen
山竹山竹
Cold
Understanding the four natures of fruits allows practitioners to choose fruits with different properties based on an individual’s constitution or specific health conditions. For instance, if someone is experiencing symptoms like emotional agitation, irritability, flushed complexion, constipation, or a preference for cold beverages, they are exhibiting signs of excessive internal heat, which is a “hot” condition. In this case, it is recommended to consume more cold or cool-natured fruits such as starfruit, persimmons, grapefruits, and watermelon.
On the other hand, if someone experiences fatigue, pale complexion, frequent diarrhea, lack of thirst, or an aversion to drinking water, they are displaying signs of coldness or a “cold” condition. In such situations, it is advisable to consume more warm or hot-natured fruits like peaches, lychees, cherries, or custard apples. Ignoring these considerations and consuming fruits like lychees or longan when experiencing excessive internal heat can exacerbate the condition.