Durian is one of the most famous tropical fruits and is a fruit of great economic value. The smell of durian is very strong, and it is no exaggeration to say it is "overpoweringly pungent". However, in Thailand, due to its high nutritional value, durian is often used as a tonic to nourish the body for patients and postpartum women.
According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, durian "can be used as medicine, it is sweet and warm in nature, non-toxic, and mainly treats acute dysentery and coldness in the heart and abdomen". Durian can be used for conditions such as deficiency of vital energy and blood leading to premature graying of hair, aging, wind-heat, jaundice, scabies, and skin itching. Durian is pungent, sweet, and hot in nature. It affects the liver, kidney, and lung meridians. Because durian is hot in nature, it can invigorate blood and dispel cold, relieving menstrual pain, making it especially suitable for women troubled by dysmenorrhea. It can also improve symptoms of abdominal coldness, promote body temperature, and is an ideal tonic for people with a cold constitution. Additionally, a traditional folk remedy is to boil the durian husk with pork bones to make soup.
Although durian has many benefits, you should not eat too much at once, as it can easily lead to internal heat and cause "internal heatiness" due to the digestive system's inability to fully absorb it. When eating durian, it is a good idea to drink some light salt water or eat fruits with high water content to balance it, such as pears or watermelon, which can effectively eliminate internal heat. The best companion for durian is the mangosteen, known as the "Queen of Fruits". It can tame the "King of Fruits'" fiery nature and protect the body from harm.