The Efficacy and Functions of Lycium and Ophiopogon

May 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) enters the liver and kidney meridians and has a strong effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys. Although Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) primarily nourishes the yin of the lungs and stomach, it also enters the kidney meridian. When used together, these two herbs enhance each other's ability to nourish the liver and kidneys, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys, such as weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, vertigo, and vision deterioration. Ophiopogon japonicus excels at moistening the lungs and promoting body fluid production, thus relieving dry cough due to lung dryness; Lycium barbarum also has a certain effect in nourishing yin and moistening the lungs.

The main functions and benefits of Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) and Ophiopogon japonicus (Dwarf lilyturf root) generally include nourishing the liver and kidney, moistening the lungs and promoting body fluid production, benefiting the essence and improving vision, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, as well as antioxidant and anti-aging effects.

1. Nourish the liver and kidney: Lycium barbarum enters the liver and kidney meridians and has strong effects of nourishing the liver and kidney. Although Ophiopogon japonicus mainly nourishes the yin of the lung and stomach, it also can enter the kidney meridian. When used together, these two herbs can enhance the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney, helping to alleviate symptoms caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness and blurred vision, and vision impairment.

2. Moisturize the lungs and promote body fluid production: Ophiopogon japonicus is particularly effective at moistening the lungs and promoting body fluids, relieving dry cough caused by lung dryness; Lycium barbarum also has certain effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs. When combined, these two herbs can moisturize the lungs, increase body fluid production, and alleviate symptoms such as dry throat and thirst, dry cough with little phlegm caused by lung dryness, making them especially suitable for individuals with lung yin deficiency.

3. Benefit the essence and improve vision: Lycium barbarum is effective in benefiting the essence and improving vision and is considered a key herb for eye health. Ophiopogon japonicus nourishes yin and can increase the supply of essence and blood, thus providing nourishment for the eyes. When used together, they can effectively improve vision-related problems caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency, such as blurred vision and dry eyes, thus promoting eye health and vision improvement.

4. Nourish the heart and calm the mind: Ophiopogon japonicus nourishes heart yin, clears heart heat, and alleviates irritability and restlessness. Lycium barbarum nourishes the liver and kidney, which helps to stabilize the mind. When used together, these two herbs can nourish heart yin, calm the mind, and relieve symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, irritability, and excessive dreaming caused by heart yin deficiency or liver and kidney yin deficiency, thus promoting emotional well-being and restful sleep.

5. Antioxidant and anti-aging: Both Lycium barbarum and Ophiopogon japonicus contain abundant antioxidant substances that can eliminate free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative damage. When used together, they have a synergistic effect in terms of antioxidant activity, which can delay cellular aging, prevent various age-related diseases, maintain overall health, and potentially prolong lifespan.

Although Lycium barbarum and Ophiopogon japonicus offer numerous health benefits, their use should be moderate. Individuals with cold body constitution or weak spleen and stomach should use them cautiously. It is best to use them under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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What are the benefits of drinking water infused with goji berries?

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How to steep Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) in water for consumption?

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What are the health benefits of drinking water infused with Ophiopogon japonicus (mai dong) and Lycium barbarum (goji berries)?

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