What are the benefits of children consuming Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong)?

May 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
The benefits of children consuming Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) include relieving constipation, removing phlegm, alleviating cough, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, and clearing heat to detoxify. However, please note that Ophiopogon japonicus is slightly cold in nature. If a child has a cold constitution, such as frequently having cold hands and feet or loose stools, its consumption should be approached with caution to avoid exacerbating symptoms of coldness. Additionally, excessive consumption of Ophiopogon japonicus may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in children, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Generally speaking, the benefits of children consuming Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) include relieving constipation, resolving phlegm and stopping cough, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, and clearing heat and detoxifying. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Relieving Constipation

Ophiopogon japonicus has the effect of clearing the mind and eliminating irritability, which helps improve symptoms such as dry stool and constipation caused by excessive internal heat in children. By promoting intestinal peristalsis, Ophiopogon japonicus also assists in normal digestion and absorption within the child's gastrointestinal tract, helping alleviate symptoms like bloating and indigestion.

2. Resolving Phlegm and Stopping Cough

Ophiopogon japonicus can moisten the lungs and relieve coughing, helping alleviate symptoms such as coughing, minimal phlegm, and sticky phlegm that is difficult to expel, caused by lung dryness in children. Its lung-moistening effect can also assist in treating coughs and excessive phlegm caused by lung deficiency, helping protect children's respiratory health.

3. Nourishing the Heart and Calming the Mind

Ophiopogon japonicus enters the heart meridian and has the effect of nourishing the heart and calming the mind. Drinking water infused with an appropriate amount of Ophiopogon japonicus can help children relieve symptoms such as irritability, palpitations, frequent dreams, and insomnia, improving sleep quality and keeping children energetic.

4. Promoting Saliva Production to Relieve Thirst

Ophiopogon japonicus has the effect of nourishing yin and promoting saliva production, which helps restore bodily fluids in children, making it suitable for symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst caused by excessive internal heat or yin deficiency. By promoting saliva secretion and improving digestive function, Ophiopogon japonicus can achieve the effect of relieving thirst.

5. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

Ophiopogon japonicus has heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, which can effectively alleviate common heat-related symptoms in children, such as mouth ulcers and constipation. It helps children eliminate internal heat toxins and maintain good health.

However, it should be noted that Ophiopogon japonicus is slightly cold in nature. If a child has a cold constitution, such as frequently having cold hands and feet or loose stools, it should be used cautiously to avoid exacerbating cold symptoms. Additionally, excessive consumption of Ophiopogon japonicus may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in children, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, before giving Ophiopogon japonicus to children, it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure safe usage.

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