What can Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) be steeped with for drinking?
Apr 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) can be steeped in water along with ingredients such as Adenophora stricta (Sha Shen), Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu), Lilium brownii (Bai He), Lycium barbarum (Goji berries), and Schisandra chinensis (Wu Wei Zi). When using Ophiopogon japonicus or other traditional Chinese herbs for health maintenance, appropriate combinations should be selected based on individual health conditions, and the principle of moderate use should be followed. If necessary, usage should be guided by a licensed TCM practitioner to avoid self-administration and ensure both efficacy and safety.
Generally, Ophiopogon can be steeped in water together with ingredients such as Adenophora, Solomonseal, Lily, Goji berries, and Schisandra. It is recommended to use these combinations under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Adenophora
Adenophora has the effects of nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, nourishing the stomach, and promoting body fluid production. When combined with Ophiopogon, it enhances the effects of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, especially suitable for those with yin deficiency of the lungs and stomach, and can alleviate symptoms such as dry throat and mouth, and dry cough with little phlegm.
2. Solomonseal
Solomonseal functions to nourish yin, relieve dryness, stimulate body fluid production, and quench thirst. When used together with Ophiopogon, it enhances the effects of nourishing yin and promoting body fluids, and can help improve symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and heat sensations caused by yin deficiency.
3. Lily
Lily can moisten the lungs and relieve cough, clear the heart and calm the mind. When steeped with Ophiopogon, it has the effects of nourishing lung yin, clearing the heart, and calming the mind, suitable for conditions such as cough caused by lung yin deficiency and insomnia caused by heart yin deficiency accompanied by irritability.
4. Goji Berry
Goji berry nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches essence, and improves vision. When combined with Ophiopogon, it nourishes the yin of the liver and kidneys, while also moistening the lungs and promoting body fluids. It is suitable for individuals with yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys accompanied by lung dryness, and can help alleviate symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, weak and sore waist and knees, and other related symptoms.
5. Schisandra
Schisandra has the effects of consolidating and astringing, invigorating qi and promoting body fluid production, and nourishing the kidneys and calming the mind. When combined with Ophiopogon, it can invigorate qi and nourish yin, consolidate sweat and promote body fluid production. It can be used to treat symptoms such as spontaneous sweating, night sweats, shortness of breath, and dry mouth caused by deficiency of both qi and yin.
When using Ophiopogon or other Chinese herbs for wellness purposes, appropriate combinations should be selected according to one's own health condition, following the principle of appropriate dosage. If necessary, they should be used under the guidance of a TCM practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.
