Can soaking Lycium barbarum (goji berries) in water promote saliva production and relieve thirst?

Jul 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, soaking goji berries in water may have a certain auxiliary effect in promoting saliva production and relieving thirst, but the effect is limited, and attention should be paid to the method of consumption. The goji berry water should not be too concentrated, to avoid discomfort caused by excessive sugar intake. In daily life, for better relief of thirst and dry mouth, goji berries can be soaked together with chrysanthemum, ophiopogon, and other ingredients. At the same time, ensure adequate water intake daily and eat more fruits with high water content, such as pears and watermelons.

Generally, soaking goji berries in water may have a certain auxiliary effect in promoting saliva production and relieving thirst, but the effect is limited and proper consumption methods should be noted. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Goji berries are neutral in nature and contain various vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and other components. When soaked in water, the liquid can directly relieve thirst, while the nutrients in the goji berries can provide some nourishment to the body. They may offer mild auxiliary improvement for dry mouth and thirst caused by mild deficiency of body fluids, and moderate consumption can help alleviate discomfort.

However, the effect of goji berry water in promoting saliva production and relieving thirst is relatively weak. If thirst is caused by factors such as high fever, diabetes, or Sjögren's syndrome, simply drinking goji berry water cannot effectively relieve the symptoms and may even prolong thirst due to insufficient hydration. Moreover, goji berries have a relatively high sugar content; excessive consumption may cause stickiness in the mouth, thereby worsening the feeling of thirst. Therefore, it is important to control the quantity consumed.

Goji berry water should not be too concentrated, to avoid discomfort caused by excessive sugar intake. In daily life, for better relief of dry mouth and thirst, goji berries can be steeped together with chrysanthemum, ophiopogon, or other similar ingredients. At the same time, ensure adequate water intake daily, eat more water-rich fruits such as pears and watermelons, maintain a light diet, and avoid overly salty or spicy foods, which can better help maintain the body's fluid balance.