Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Liquidambaris Fructus |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 路路通 · Lu Lu Tong |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-damp dispelling |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature fruit of Liquidambar formosana Hance.(Hamamelidaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Lu Lu Tong?
Lu Lu Tong (Beautiful Sweetgum Fruit) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Neutral
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney
Lu Lu Tong: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Liquidambaris Fructus
Botanical Origin
The dried mature fruit of Liquidambar formosana Hance.(Hamamelidaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is large, yellow, without fruit stem.
Macroscopic Features
Aggregate fruit, made up of many small capsules clustered together, spherical shaped, 2~3cm diameter. Base has main stem. Externally grayish-brown or brown, with numerous pointed spikes and beak-like spikes, 0.5~1mm long, often broken, small capsule apex is cracked with honeycomb-like small holes. Light, hard texture, not easily broken; faint odor, tasteless.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; NeutralLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Dispels wind and unblocks collaterals, promotes diuresis, and unblocks the menses.
How Lu Lu Tong Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Lu Lu Tong is classified among the Wind-damp dispelling herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
