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Asian Pear

배 (梨子) · Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai
Heat-clearing, moistening food herb Cold (some sources: cool) Sweet, slightly sour Not specified in the source text
NatureCold (some sources: cool)
TasteSweet, slightly sour
MeridiansNot specified in the source text
Part usedFruit (leaf and bark recorded separately)
FamilyRosaceae
CategoryHeat-clearing, moistening food herb
Find by concern: ThirstHangoverDry throat

Overview

Pear is the juicy autumn fruit Koreans associate with Chuseok and with soothing a dry throat. The Donguibogam's record is short but pointed: pear is sweet and cold, suited to people who are thirsty — especially thirst after drinking — and it clears heat lodged in the chest. The text is just as clear about the other side: eaten in quantity it chills the middle, and it is singled out as especially unsuitable for people with wounds or women after childbirth.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性寒一云冷, 味甘微酸, 無毒. 除客熱, 止心煩, 消風熱, 除胸中熱結.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is cold (some say cool), its taste sweet and slightly sour, and it is non-toxic. It removes lodged heat, stops heart vexation, dissolves wind-heat, and clears knotted heat in the chest.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Clears lodged heat
  • Eases heart vexation
  • Quenches thirst, especially after drinking

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Thirst, especially after drinking alcohol
  • Chest heat and restlessness
  • Autumn dryness

Traditional preparation

Eaten fresh. The text records the leaf (decocted for sudden vomiting and diarrhea) and bark (decocted and used as a wash for skin sores) as separate sub-entries.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam records pear as non-toxic but warns that eating much makes the middle cold, and that people with metal wounds and women after childbirth should especially avoid it. Those with weak, cold digestion should eat it in moderation. Consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions

Why is pear linked to hangovers in the text?

The text says pear suits thirsty people and is especially good for "wine thirst" — thirst after drinking — because of its cold, sweet nature.

Who should avoid eating much pear?

The text singles out women after childbirth and people with metal wounds, and warns that eating too much chills the middle.

Are the leaves and bark used?

Yes, as sub-entries: the leaf decoction for sudden vomiting and diarrhea, and the bark decoction as a wash for scabies-like skin conditions.

Sources