Which three types of people should not consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor)?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Generally speaking, there is no established saying that "there are three types of people who should not consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor)." However, it is not recommended for individuals with a cold body constitution, those suffering from cough due to wind-cold, individuals with excessive phlegm-dampness, people with spleen-stomach deficiency cold experiencing diarrhea, or those in the early stages of an external infection. Additionally, individuals currently taking certain specific medications should also consume Ophiopogon japonicus cautiously to avoid potential interactions.

Generally speaking, there is no saying that "Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) is unsuitable for three types of people." However, individuals with cold body constitution, wind-cold cough, excessive phlegm-dampness, spleen-stomach deficiency-cold with diarrhea, or those in the early stages of external contraction are not advised to consume MJ. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Individuals with Cold Body Constitution

People with cold body constitution often exhibit symptoms such as cold hands and feet, intolerance to cold, and susceptibility to diarrhea. Since MJ is slightly cold in nature, consumption by individuals in this group may exacerbate internal coldness, potentially worsening symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea, and intensifying cold intolerance. Therefore, individuals with cold body constitution should avoid consuming MJ.

2. Individuals with Wind-Cold Cough

Wind-cold cough is usually caused by exposure to cold, with symptoms such as clear, thin phlegm, intolerance to cold without sweating, and clear nasal discharge. Treatment should primarily focus on warming the body and dispersing cold. MJ is slightly cold in nature and has the effect of nourishing yin and relieving dryness. If consumed by individuals with wind-cold cough, it may trap cold within the body, prolonging cough symptoms and delaying recovery. Therefore, individuals with wind-cold cough should avoid consuming MJ.

3. Individuals with Excessive Internal Phlegm-Dampness

Individuals with excessive internal phlegm-dampness often exhibit symptoms such as thick, greasy tongue coating, bodily heaviness, viscous and excessive phlegm, and chest tightness. These individuals tend to accumulate more dampness and phlegm within the body. Due to MJ's relatively greasy nature, its consumption may worsen the accumulation of phlegm-dampness, intensifying the sensation of bodily heaviness and potentially increasing phlegm production, which hinders the elimination of phlegm-dampness. Therefore, individuals with excessive internal phlegm-dampness should avoid consuming MJ.

4. Individuals with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold and Diarrhea

Individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold often have weakened digestive function and may experience symptoms such as loose stools, abdominal distension, poor appetite, and intolerance to cold. Since MJ is slightly cold in nature, it can further chill the spleen and stomach, potentially worsening the condition by increasing the frequency of diarrhea and aggravating abdominal distension, thus affecting the recovery of spleen-stomach function. Therefore, individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold and diarrhea should avoid consuming MJ.

5. Individuals in the Early Stage of External Contraction

In the early stage of external pathogen invasion, the body needs to expel the pathogen through self-regulation or appropriate intervention. At this stage, the focus of treatment should be on resolving exterior symptoms and expelling the pathogen. Due to its greasy and nourishing properties, consuming MJ may trap the external pathogen inside the body, prolonging the illness and hindering the elimination of the pathogen. Therefore, individuals in the early stage of external contraction should avoid consuming MJ.

In addition, individuals currently taking certain specific medications should also consume MJ cautiously to avoid potential interactions. In daily life, if unsure whether one's body constitution is suitable for consuming MJ, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. If adverse reactions occur after accidental consumption, stop using MJ immediately, monitor symptoms, and seek medical attention if necessary.

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What are the traditional Chinese medicines for lowering blood sugar?

Under normal circumstances, if it is necessary to lower blood sugar, single-herb traditional Chinese medicines can be used under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used herbs include Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus), Solomonseal (Polygonatum odoratum), and Chinese wolfberry bark (Lycium chinense). In addition, individuals requiring auxiliary blood sugar regulation may also use other suitable single-herb TCMs under medical supervision. During treatment, a light diet should be maintained, with avoidance of high-sugar and high-fat foods, along with regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 habits or daily routine) and moderate exercise.

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What is Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) used for in treating chronic pharyngitis?

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) can be combined with honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), Sterculia lychnophora (Pang Da Hai), Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu), Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo Han Guo), and Platycodon grandiflorus (Jie Geng) to assist in the management of chronic pharyngitis; combinations should be selected according to specific symptoms. Mai Dong nourishes yin, promotes body fluid production, moistens the lungs, and benefits the throat, while Jin Yin Hua clears heat, detoxifies, and disperses wind-heat. This combination is suitable for chronic pharyngitis accompanied by dryness, sore throat, and mild throat redness and swelling, addressing both yin deficiency and heat symptoms to relieve throat discomfort.

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What is incompatible with Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor)?

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) is generally incompatible with ingredients such as coltsfoot flower (Kuan Dong Hua), black fungus, carp, crab, and radish. Consuming them together may affect drug efficacy or cause physical discomfort. Mai Dong is slightly cold in nature and primarily functions to nourish yin and moisten dryness. Kuan Dong Hua, on the other hand, is warm in nature and mainly used to warm the lungs and relieve cough. These two herbs have opposing properties; when taken together, they may counteract each other, reducing their respective therapeutic effects and preventing the desired regulatory outcomes.

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How to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for best results?

Generally speaking, there is no specific claim regarding "the best way to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for optimal effectiveness." To achieve effective results when consuming McDoor, common methods include steeping it in hot water as a tea substitute, combining it with ingredients to make soup, boiling it with grains to make porridge, preparing it with other herbs as a decoction, or taking it sublingually in its raw form. When consuming McDoor, it is important to maintain moderation, as excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should reduce their consumption.