Lychee (Litchi chinensis)
Synopsis of lychee
Lychee is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to southern China and parts of Southeast Asia, prized for its sweet, aromatic, and translucent-white pulp. While lychee is best known as a nutritious fruit, its pulp, peel, seed, and flowers have all been used in traditional herbal medicine. Nutritionally, lychee is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, oligonol (a low-molecular-weight polyphenol formulation derived from lychee), potassium, and copper. These compounds give lychee its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and circulatory-supportive properties.
Modern research has focused on oligonol, which has been shown to support blood flow, reduce exercise-induced fatigue, and improve skin tone by enhancing microcirculation. Additionally, lychee extract shows potential for supporting metabolic health, including fat oxidation, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory control. The fruit also contains flavonoids such as epicatechin and rutin, contributing to its vascular and immune-supportive qualities.
Lychee seeds and peel contain tannins and saponins and have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-viral properties, though the seeds must be used cautiously due to potential toxicity if consumed in excess or improperly prepared.
Historical Use:
Lychee has a long and celebrated history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it has been consumed as both food and medicine for over 2,000 years. In TCM, lychee is believed to tonify Qi, nourish blood, relieve pain, and calm the spirit. It is especially used to alleviate abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, and cough—often attributed to Liver Qi stagnation or internal cold.
The fruit was also viewed as a symbol of romance and royalty. In Chinese folklore, lychee was famously favored by Yang Guifei, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, and was delivered to her from southern China via fast courier services to satisfy her cravings.
In Ayurvedic medicine, lychee (litchika) is considered sweet, cooling, and nourishing. It was used to pacify pitta and vata, support digestion, reduce inflammation, and rejuvenate the body during convalescence. Lychee’s hydrating and antioxidant qualities made it a popular summer fruit to counter fatigue, heat stress, and skin dryness.
Beyond Asia, lychee has become a popular fruit and functional food worldwide, with increasing interest in its potential for anti-aging, cardiovascular protection, immune support, and beauty-from-within applications—linking its ancient legacy with modern health trends.
Lychee is used for these health conditions
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
lychee is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
