Vegetables
Broccoli
西兰花xī lán huāNutritional Value
5 / 5
Organ Affinities
Tonifies
Therapeutic Properties
Quick Facts
AHM Properties
Broccoli courses the Liver, brightens the eyes, and clears summer Heat, making it especially useful for eye inflammation and nearsightedness. Its slightly bitter and pungent qualities help clear Heat without undermining digestive Qi — a combination that is harder to find than you might expect among cooling vegetables. Broccoli also benefits the skin, promotes the production of body fluids, and supports detoxification. From an AHM perspective, its Liver-coursing and eye-brightening actions make it a practical daily food for patterns involving Liver Heat rising to the head.
Broccoli is one of the richest dietary sources of vitamin C, exceeding 90% of the daily recommended value for immune and skin health, and vitamin K, providing 75–100% of the daily value for blood clotting and bone strength. It offers meaningful folate (B9) for cellular function, along with potassium and iron for blood pressure regulation and oxygen transport. Its sulforaphane content fights inflammation and protects cells from oxidative damage, while lutein and zeaxanthin support vision and cardiovascular wellness.
Contraindications
Broccoli contains five goitrogenous compounds that can disrupt the body's ability to use iodine. Avoid in cases of thyroid deficiency or low iodine levels. Cooked preparation is preferable to raw for reducing goitrogen activity.
Clinically authored and reviewed by Dr. Katrina Chojnicki-Hill, DAOM, AP, Dipl. OM. Cross-referenced against American Dragon Herbs and classical AHM sources. For educational purposes only — consult a qualified AHM practitioner for personalised advice.