In Chinese folk medicine, S. grosvenori (Luo Han Guo) has been used for cough, sputum, asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis, obesity, acute gastritis, and constipation.

In traditional Chinese medicine, luo han guo has been used as a pulmonary demulcent and emollient for the treatment of dry cough, sore throat, and extreme thirst. 

Luo han guo is a very sweet and round dried fruit typically grown in southern Chinese provinces such as Guangdong, Guizhou, Hunan and Jiangxi.

This fruit, which is about the size of an orange or large lemon, has a thin brown hard shell that holds multiple seeds and grows on vines found on the mountains of Guilin in China, although the plant is rarely found in the wild.

The mountains are able to provide shade and are frequently surrounded by mists that help protect against excessive sunlight, despite the province's warm temperature. Luo han guo may also go by the names “Buddha fruit” or “monk fruit.” The fruit was first mentioned in records of the 13th century Chinese monks who discovered and used the fruit. Fresh luo han guo is ripe in the fall but is often sold dried year-round. 

Promoting weight loss: Because luo han guo doesn’t contain calories, carbohydrates or fat, it may be useful for people watching their weight.

However, you still have to be careful about foods and drinks containing luo han guo, since they may have added sugars and ingredients that may raise calorie and carbohydrate counts or affect insulin sensitivity.

Stay on the safe side and only consume little to moderate amounts.

Providing anti-inflammatory properties: A 2011 study revealed that luo han guo was used in TCM to make hot drinks that may address sore throat and reduce phlegm.

Mogrosides, which are natural compounds responsible for the fruit’s sweetness, are said to be anti-inflammatory and assist with stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Providing anti-aging properties: The potential antioxidant properties of luo han guo may protect against the “breaking down” of the body as you age.

Relieving allergies: Luo han guo extract was proven to prevent the activity of mast cells that trigger allergies, lowering histamines and thereby eliminating allergies.

It’s also associated with decreasing asthmatic reactions.

Improving heart health: Organic components in luo han guo may assist in preventing cholesterol oxidation, potentially reducing your risk for heart attacks and strokes, and preventing development of atherosclerosis.

Helping control diabetes: Sweeteners containing luo han guo don’t cause fluctuations to blood sugar levels in the same way sugar and other sweeteners do.

This is why luo han guo is widely promoted as a preventive method for diabetes.

Boosting immunity: Some amounts of vitamin C can be found in luo han guo.

This vitamin can stimulate production of white blood cells and collagen, which the body needs for creating cells, muscle tissue and blood vessels.

Furthermore, mogrosides in the fruit were also linked to preventing viral infections like the Epstein Barr virus.

How To Make Luo Han Guo Tea

Add a mug or small bowl of hot water. Using a tea strainer would even be better since small pieces may fall off the piece of dried fruit. Allow to steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain out all pieces of fruit, and drink. Alternatively, you can make a pot of luo han guo tea by boil 4 cups of water and adding a whole crushed dried luo han guo fruit