The Mulberry Fruit: A Journey to Better Health!

Sang Shen (Mulberry Fruit)

Nourish the Blood, Tonify Yin, and Promote Youthful Vitality


Sang Shen (Morus alba fruit), or mulberry fruit, is a sweet, cooling herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the blood, tonify yin, and moisten dryness. It supports liver and kidney health, promotes bowel regularity, and is often used for insomnia, premature graying, and blood deficiency.


Quick Summary Of Sang Shen - Mulberry Fruit 

Pin Yin Name Sang Shen (桑椹)
Botanical Name Morus alba (white mulberry fruit)
English Name Mulberry Fruit
TCM Category Tonify the Blood
Properties Sweet, Cold
Meridians Entered Heart, Liver, Kidney
Part Used Fruit (fresh or dried)
Recommended Form Whole fruit, extract powder, tea
Also Known As White mulberry, Chinese mulberry

WHAT IS MULBERRY FRUIT (SANG SHEN)?

Mulberry fruit (Morus alba), known as Sang Shen in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is the juicy, antioxidant-packed berry you’ve probably overlooked. But this sweet, dark berry is anything but ordinary. In TCM, Sang Shen is used to nourish blood, replenish Yin, and moisten dryness—making it a go-to for fatigue, dry skin, constipation, and premature aging.

Modern nutrition science backs it up too. It’s loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, iron, fiber, and resveratrol, the same compound that gives red wine its healthy rep.

mulberry fruit tea

Sweet Fruit with Deep-Rooted Power

Sang Shen is more than a snack—it’s a powerful yin and blood tonic long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to revitalize the body, especially when dryness, fatigue, and deficiency are present. Unlike sugary fruit, Sang Shen has a unique ability to nourish the Liver and Kidney without causing dampness. It’s ideal for people with insomnia, early graying hair, low energy, dizziness, or constipation due to dryness.

Sang Shen is often used as a functional food, meaning it can be enjoyed daily while providing profound medicinal benefits. Its high content of anthocyanins, resveratrol, and iron adds to its value as a tonic for vitality and longevity.


TCM Benefits and Traditional Uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sang Shen:

  • Nourishes Blood and Yin

  • Tonifies the Liver and Kidney

  • Moistens the Intestines to relieve dry constipation

  • Supports insomnia or restlessness due to blood deficiency

  • Helps with dizziness, premature graying, and weakness

Often used in:

  • Anemia or postpartum recovery

  • Anti-aging or longevity tonics

  • Gentle detox and intestinal regularity formulas



Comparison Grid Comparing Herbs Similar To Mulberry Fruit 

Herb Function Temperature Notes
Sang Shen Nourishes blood, tonifies yin Cold Best for dry constipation + fatigue
Shu Di Huang Tonifies blood and yin Slightly Warm Stronger, heavier; used in formulas
Bai Shao Softens liver, preserves yin Slightly Cold For pain, PMS, or muscle tension
Goji Berry Nourishes blood & jing Neutral Sweet, mild, food-like daily tonic

WHY IT WORKS (MODERN + TCM EXPLAINED)

Chinese Medicine View:

  • Nourishes Blood & Yin: Helps with dizziness, insomnia, and dry constipation.

  • Benefits the Liver & Kidney: TCM links Sang Shen to longevity and vitality.

Western Science View:

  • Antioxidant-Rich: Contains anthocyanins, resveratrol, and vitamin C—fighting oxidative stress.

  • Regulates Blood Sugar: Inhibits carb-digesting enzymes for smoother post-meal glucose control.

  • Supports Heart Health: May reduce LDL cholesterol and improve blood vessel elasticity.

  • Boosts Immunity: Vitamin C stimulates white blood cells. Antioxidants help defend against viral load.


HEALTH BENEFITS OF MULBERRIES

 1. Powerful Antioxidant & Disease Prevention

Mulberries are packed with anthocyanins, flavonoids, and resveratrol—all shown to help reduce inflammation, fight free radicals, and potentially lower cancer risk.

PubMed: Antioxidant activity of mulberry fruit

2. Supports Heart Health

Thanks to flavonoids and fiber, mulberries may reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure.

 3. Blood Sugar Regulation

Mulberries contain DNJ (1-deoxynojirimycin), a compound that slows carbohydrate absorption, helping blunt blood sugar spikes.

PubMed: Mulberry and blood glucose control

 4. Digestive Support

High in dietary fiber, mulberries support gut motility and may ease constipation while nourishing beneficial gut flora.

 5. Immune Boosting

Vitamin C enhances immune cell function, while flavonoids reduce immune fatigue and viral vulnerability.


 HOW TO USE MULBERRIES

Form How to Use
Fresh Eat as-is, or add to smoothies, salads, yogurt
Dried Use in trail mix, cereal, granola, or steep as tea
Powder Blend into smoothies or mix with hot water
Extract Use as a concentrated supplement or in tinctures

RECIPE: Mulberry Yogurt Energy Bowl

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup fresh or dried mulberries

  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1 tsp honey or monk fruit

  • Optional: walnuts, cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt and chia seeds.

  2. Top with mulberries and drizzle honey.

  3. Add optional toppings and enjoy!

Recipe: Mulberry Compote

Ingredients: - 2 cups fresh mulberries (washed and stems removed) - 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preferences; you can also use honey or a sugar substitute) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions: 1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh mulberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

  1. Cook Down: Heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mulberries begin to break down, about 5-10 minutes.

  2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to a sauce-like consistency.

  3. Cool: Remove from heat and let it cool. The compote will thicken further as it cools.

  4. Serve: Enjoy the mulberry compote warm or cold. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Ways to Use Mulberry Compote:

  1. Breakfast Topping: Spoon the compote over yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet and fruity breakfast.

  2. Spread or Filling: Use it as a spread on toast, bagels, or pastries. It can also be used as a filling in cakes or pastries.

  3. Dessert Topping: Drizzle the compote over desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, or panna cotta for an elegant finish.

  4. Savory Dishes: Serve the compote with grilled meats, like pork or chicken, for a unique flavor combination.

  5. Smoothie Base: Blend the compote into smoothies for added sweetness and flavor.

Additional Uses for Fresh Mulberries:

  • Salads: Toss fresh mulberries into salads for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Jams/Jellies: Make homemade mulberry jam or jelly by cooking down the fruit with sugar and pectin.
  • Baking: Incorporate mulberries into muffins, bread, or pancakes for a fruity touch.
  • Sauces: Blend mulberries into a sauce for drizzling over desserts or swirls in yogurt.

How to Include Mulberries for Blood Sugar Support:

  • Add dried Sang Shen to congee, oatmeal, or trail mixes.

  • Use extract powder in smoothies or herbal teas.

  • Combine with Goji berries or Lotus seed for a well-rounded tonic that supports both blood sugar and yin.

Reminder: Always consult your healthcare provider if you're managing diabetes or using medication, as mulberries may enhance insulin sensitivity.


MULBERRY VS OTHER SUPERBERRIES

Berry Best For Why Use It With Mulberries
Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) Eye health, liver yin Complements Sang Shen’s blood + yin-tonifying effects
Elderberries Immune boosting, flu defense Use together for full-spectrum viral and antioxidant protection
Blueberries Brain & heart health Combine for cognitive + cardiovascular synergy

FAQs

Can I eat Sang Shen daily? Yes. It’s safe for long-term use and functions as both a food and herbal medicine.

Does it help with hair health? Yes—especially for premature graying and dry scalp from blood deficiency.

Can Sang Shen cause loose stools? Rarely. If digestion is weak or the fruit is overconsumed, reduce dosage.

Is Sang Shen good for kids? In moderation, yes—especially in nourishing teas or blended with porridge.


Cautions

  • Use cautiously in those with diarrhea or cold digestion

  • Best combined with warming herbs if signs of coldness or spleen deficiency are present

  • Store dried fruit in airtight container to prevent spoilage


Buy Sang Shen at 1st Chinese Herbs

  • Organic, wildcrafted whole dried mulberry fruit

  • Extract powder for easy tea or smoothies

  • Formulas that include Sang Shen for blood, yin, and liver support

  • 3rd-party tested and GMP-certified quality

Shop Sang Shen Now For All Forms of Sang Shen - Mulberry Fruit 

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