Benefits of Green Mung Beans for Summerheat

Lu dou, Mung bean, Phaseoli radiati Semen. Is known to clear heat and relieve toxicity in Chinese Medicine. It goes to the Heart, Stomach and Spleen channels. It can be used for conditions of summerheat marked by irritability and fever, especially with extreme thirst. It also clears heat in cases of toxic sores and swellings. It is also used as a remedy when toxic herbs such as aconite, fava beans or chuan wu are over used.

Green mung beans can be prepared as a drink in hot weather in order prevent overheating or heat stroke. Rinse beans, soak for 3-5 hours and then boil with 2-5 parts water for 30 min on low. Add sugar to taste. Drink liquid decoction and eat the beans. Can be taken warm or cooled down.

Mung beans can also be prepared with rhei radix et rhizoma and peppermint as a topical ointment for sores.

Mung beans can be found as a powder/flour or made into noodles. Many ancient texts discuss sleeping on pillows and sachets filled with mung beans in order to benefit the eyes and ears, treating wind conditions and headaches.

Sources

Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E. (2004) Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica Third Edition, Eastland Press pp 194-195