Lilies can be eaten fresh or dried and are a traditional Chinese specialty for export. In addition to containing 21.29% protein, 12.43% fat, 11.47% reducing sugar, 1.61% starch, as well as nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, 1.443 mg of vitamin B, and 21.2 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, lilies also contain special nutritional components, such as various alkaloids including colchicine. The combined effects of these components on the human body provide excellent nutritional and tonic benefits.
1. Moisturizing the Lungs and Relieving Cough
Fresh lilies contain mucilage, which has the effect of moistening dryness and clearing heat. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is often effective in treating conditions like dry cough or cough due to lung heat.
2. Calming the Mind and Soothing the Spirit
Lilies enter the heart meridian and have a slightly cool nature. They can clear the heart, eliminate vexation, calm the mind, and soothe the spirit. They are used for conditions such as lingering heat after a febrile illness, mental confusion, insomnia with many dreams, depression, and a tendency to cry from sadness.
3. Beautifying and Nourishing the Skin
Lilies are pure white and delicate. Fresh lilies are rich in mucilage and vitamins, which are beneficial for the metabolism of skin cells. Regular consumption of lilies has a certain beautifying effect.
4. Preventing and Fighting Cancer
Lilies contain various alkaloids that can prevent leukopenia, increase blood cells, and treat conditions of cell reduction after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In the body, lilies can also promote and enhance the mononuclear phagocyte system and phagocytic function, improving the body's humoral immune ability. Therefore, lilies have good preventive and therapeutic effects against many types of cancer.
5. Quenching Thirst and Moistening Dryness
People with poor bronchial health can benefit from eating lilies to help improve their condition.
6. Nourishing and Treating Ailments
Lilies have excellent nutritional and tonic properties and are particularly beneficial for post-illness weakness and neurasthenia.
7. Adjunctive Therapy
Clinically, lilies are often used as an adjunctive treatment for diseases such as leukemia, lung cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer.