What are the functions and benefits of Ophiopogon root?

Apr 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Men Dong) is rich in mucilage and polysaccharides, which can nourish yin fluids, promote the production of body fluids, and relieve symptoms such as dry mouth and throat caused by internal heat due to yin deficiency. Its actions of moistening the lungs and clearing heat can alleviate coughing due to lung heat or yin deficiency, and improve respiratory symptoms such as sore throat and scanty, viscous phlegm. The active ingredients in Ophiopogon japonicus can clear heart fire and relieve irritability, and are used to treat symptoms such as palpitations and insomnia caused by insufficient heart yin.

Ophiopogon root generally has functions and benefits such as nourishing yin and generating body fluids, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, clearing the heart and removing irritability, benefiting the stomach and producing body fluids, moisturizing the intestines and relieving constipation. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Nourishing Yin and Generating Body Fluids: Ophiopogon is rich in mucilage and polysaccharides, which can nourish yin fluids, generate body fluids, and relieve dryness. It is suitable for symptoms such as dry mouth and throat caused by internal heat due to yin deficiency.

2. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough: Its function of moistening the lungs and clearing heat can alleviate cough caused by lung heat or yin deficiency, improving respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, minimal and sticky phlegm.

3. Clearing the Heart and Removing Irritability: The active ingredients in Ophiopogon can clear heart fire and relieve irritability and fever. It is used for symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, excessive dreaming, and restlessness caused by insufficient heart yin.

4. Benefiting the Stomach and Producing Body Fluids: By nourishing stomach yin and promoting secretion of body fluids, it improves conditions such as mild epigastric pain, lack of appetite despite hunger, vomiting, and hiccups caused by deficiency of stomach yin.

5. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation: Ophiopogon moistens dryness and lubricates the intestines, alleviating constipation caused by intestinal dryness and fluid deficiency. It is especially suitable for those with yin deficiency and intestinal dryness accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and throat.

Ophiopogon root can be used by decocting into a soup, making into tea, or combining with other herbs. However, individuals with a cold constitution or those suffering from cold-type spleen and stomach deficiency should use it cautiously to avoid discomfort.

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