Pear: Nutrition According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Jan 6

yellow green pear on a black background — *Image generated using AI.*

The Healing Properties of the Pear

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the pear is classified as having a “cooling thermal nature; sweet and slightly sour flavor; [and] specifically affects the lungs” (Pitchford, 2002, p. 622). Based on this perspective, it “clears heat, moistens dryness, creates body fluids, and transforms phlegm” (Kastner, 2021, p. 146).

Therapeutic Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Through this lens, these qualities are what give it therapeutic application. For example, a practitioner may recommend eating pear to support the lungs when dryness and heat are part of the presentation. On the contrary, it wouldn’t be appropriate for “signs of coldness,” (Pitchford, 2002, p. 622).

This is because “Chinese nutrition deals on an energetic level where balance is key. . . By carefully studying the individual’s imbalances, one would choose the appropriate foods to bring about a balanced state of health” (Ni & McNease, 2012, p. 3).

four whole pears together on a black background — *Image generated using AI.*

Embracing the Energetics of Pear

In addition to the nutrients and phytochemical constituents that it provides (Reiland & Slavin, 2015), the pear can also be acknowledged for its energetic healing properties in the same regard as acupuncture and herbal medicine, as it “follows the same diagnostic principles” (Kastner, 2021, p. xxi).

Though “current Western scientific methods are not yet able to offer plausible explanations for the concept of energetics in Chinese nutrition,” the use of food as medicine within this framework has been practiced in China for thousands of years (Kastner, 2021, p. xxi).

As written, “Chinese culture reflects an awareness of the healing qualities of food as a kind of folk wisdom, even today” (Kastner, 2021, p. xxi).

slices of pear on a black background — *Image generated using AI.*

References

Kastner, J. (2021). Chinese nutrition therapy: Dietetics in traditional Chinese medicine (3rd ed.). Thieme.

Ni, M., & McNease, K. (2012). The Tao of nutrition (3rd ed.). Tao of Wellness Press.

Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and modern nutrition (3rd ed.). North Atlantic Books.

Reiland, H., & Slavin, J. (2015). Systematic Review of Pears and Health. Nutrition today, 50(6), 301–305. https://doi.org/10.1097/NT.0000000000000112

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Dr. Amanda Ortiz

Dr. Amanda Ortiz is a licensed acupuncturist certified by the California Acupuncture Board. An artist and writer at heart, she holds both a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her private practice is based in Venice, CA.