The Berry of Nourishment: A Longevity Expert's Guide to Mulberry Fruit (상심/오디)
December 3, 2025
While many berries are celebrated for their Vitamin C, the Mulberry fruit, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Sang Shen (桑椹), is revered for a deeper, more profound quality: its ability to nourish the body’s fundamental essence and blood. As a longevity expert, I recognize this sweet, dark fruit as a powerhouse for supporting graceful aging, vitality, and blood health—a true traditional superfood.
Enriching the Core: The Nourishing Role of Sang Shen
Sang Shen is classified as sweet and cold, primarily targeting the Heart, Liver, and Kidney meridians. Its signature traditional functions are to nourish the Blood and Yin and moisten the intestines. This makes it an indispensable tonic for addressing symptoms related to deficiency, dryness, and lack of systemic nourishment.
Scientifically, Mulberry fruit is a nutritional superstar, rich in antioxidants, including high levels of anthocyanins (the pigment responsible for its deep purple color), Vitamin C, Iron, and resveratrol. Its unique combination of nutrients scientifically validates its use in promoting blood health and fighting oxidative damage.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Mulberry Fruit
Modern research supports the traditional reverence for Sang Shen, highlighting its role in vital systemic support:
- Profound Blood and Yin Nourishment: This is its most significant benefit. Sang Shen works to enrich the Blood, helping to alleviate symptoms of blood deficiency such as mild dizziness, pallor, and fatigue. By nourishing the Yin (the cooling, moistening aspect of the body), it helps manage symptoms of dryness like thirst, dry skin, and mild insomnia, restoring overall internal balance.
- Supporting Hair and Vision: In TCM, the Liver and Kidneys govern the health of the eyes and hair. By nourishing these organs, Sang Shen is traditionally consumed to help prevent premature graying and to improve tired or dry eyes—a benefit supported by its rich content of vision-supporting antioxidants.
- Potent Antioxidant and Anti-aging Action: The high concentration of anthocyanins and resveratrol gives Sang Shen exceptional antioxidant power. These compounds combat free radicals, protecting cells from damage and supporting cardiovascular health, which aligns perfectly with its traditional role in promoting longevity.
- Gentle Intestinal Support: The natural sugars and fiber in the fruit provide a gentle lubricating and moisturizing effect on the large intestine. This makes Sang Shen a mild, effective remedy for constipation related to dryness or old age.
Incorporating Sang Shen into Your Diet
Sang Shen is easily incorporated into your diet, especially when consumed in dried or processed forms:
- Dried Snack: Dried mulberry fruits make an excellent, chewy, and naturally sweet snack, often used instead of raisins.
- Juices and Syrups: Sang Shen can be steeped or boiled to create a nourishing, flavorful syrup or juice, often mixed with water or used to sweeten teas.
- Herbal Blends: It is frequently combined with other Yin-nourishing herbs (like Goji berries) in teas or tonic formulas.
Important Cautions: Due to its cold nature, individuals with chronic coldness in the stomach or chronic loose stools should consume Sang Shen in moderation. Diabetics should be mindful of the natural sugar content.
Mulberry Fruit is a timeless remedy for deep nourishment. By integrating Sang Shen into your daily routine, you are choosing a delicious, natural path to support your vitality, blood health, and graceful aging.
- Dr. Chungmoo "John" Huh, DAcCHM, L.Ac, Dipl. OM -
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