What combinations with Lycium barbarum (goji berries) are most effective for nourishing the kidneys and enhancing yang?
Jan 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no definitive claim regarding "which ingredients best enhance the kidney-nourishing and yang-strengthening effects of Lycium barbarum (goji berries)." However, combining goji berries with black sesame seeds, Cistanche (meat苁蓉), red dates, Epimedium (淫羊藿), and Chinese yam (山药) may produce such effects. Black sesame seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and trace elements like zinc. These components are beneficial for kidney health, and when consumed together with goji berries, they can enhance the kidney-nourishing effect.
Generally speaking, there is no definitive statement regarding "which ingredients best enhance the kidney-nourishing and yang-invigorating effects when combined with wolfberries." However, combinations of wolfberries with black sesame seeds, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong), red dates, Horny Goat Weed (Yin Yang Huo), and Chinese yam can have kidney-tonifying and yang-strengthening effects. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Black Sesame Seeds: Black sesame seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and trace elements such as zinc. These components are beneficial for kidney health. When consumed together with wolfberries, they can enhance the kidney-nourishing effect and are suitable for symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees caused by kidney deficiency.
2. Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong): Cistanche has the functions of tonifying kidney yang and nourishing essence and blood. When used together with wolfberries, it can enhance the warming and invigorating effects on kidney yang. It is suitable for symptoms such as premature ejaculation and cold pain in the waist and knees caused by insufficient kidney yang.
3. Red Dates: Red dates have the effects of strengthening the middle-jiao, replenishing qi, nourishing the blood, and calming the mind. When used together with wolfberries to make tea or boiled water, this combination not only nourishes the kidneys and invigorates yang but also improves sleep quality and enhances physical strength.
4. Horny Goat Weed (Yin Yang Huo): Horny Goat Weed can tonify kidney yang and strengthen the tendons and bones. When combined with wolfberries, it can help improve sexual dysfunction and frequent urination caused by kidney yang deficiency.
5. Chinese Yam: Chinese yam has high nutritional value and possesses the function of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys. When used together with wolfberries, it can enhance kidney function and improve immunity.
If you intend to use wolfberries in combination with other ingredients, you should consult a doctor to ensure safety. It's also important to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits in daily life to maintain overall health.
