Ripe Persimmon

홍시 (紅柿) · Diospyros kaki Thunb.

Heat-clearing, moistening food herb Cold Sweet Heart, Lung

NatureCold

TasteSweet

MeridiansHeart, Lung

Part usedRipe fruit

FamilyEbenaceae

CategoryHeat-clearing, moistening food herb

Find by concern: Thirst Poor appetite

Overview

Ripe persimmon is a familiar autumn fruit in Korea, and the Donguibogam records its famous "seven virtues" — long life, abundant shade, no bird nests, no insects, colorful autumn leaves, fine fruit, and large fallen leaves — alongside its core action of moistening the heart and lungs and quenching thirst.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性寒一云冷, 味甘, 無毒. 潤心肺, 止渴, 療肺痿心熱. 開胃, 解酒熱毒, 壓胃間熱, 止口乾, 亦治吐血.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It moistens the heart and lungs, stops thirst, and treats lung atrophy and heart heat. It opens the appetite, resolves alcohol heat-toxicity, suppresses stomach heat, stops dry mouth, and also treats blood in the vomit.

Traditional functions

Moistens the heart and lungs
Stops thirst
Clears heat
Resolves alcohol heat-toxicity

Traditional applications

Dry mouth and thirst
Heat in the chest or heart
Post-drinking heat discomfort
Poor appetite

Traditional preparation

Eaten fresh when fully ripe and soft; avoid combining with alcohol or crab per classical caution.

Cautions

Caution: A cold-natured fruit; the Donguibogam notes it should not be eaten with alcohol (can cause chest pain and faster intoxication) or together with crab (can cause abdominal pain and vomiting). Those with a cold, weak digestion should moderate intake. Consult a professional for concentrated use.

Frequently asked questions

What are the "seven virtues" of the persimmon tree mentioned in the Donguibogam?

Long life, abundant shade, no bird nests, no insect damage, fine autumn foliage, good fruit, and large fallen leaves — a classical list praising the persimmon tree beyond just its fruit.

Are there foods the Donguibogam says not to eat with persimmon?

Yes — it specifically warns against eating persimmon with alcohol (can cause chest pain and faster intoxication) or with crab (can cause abdominal pain and vomiting).

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.