Is Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) cool or hot in nature?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) is considered a cooling food and herb. It should be used with caution in individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, as it may exacerbate discomforts such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is not suitable for individuals with wind-cold cough or phlegm-dampness cough, as it may cause retention of cold or damp phlegm in the body. Those with allergic constitutions should exercise caution; a small test dose is recommended upon initial use.

Generally speaking, Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) is considered a cool-natured food and herb. The specific analysis is as follows:

Ophiopogon japonicus possesses a cool nature and enters the heart, lung, and stomach meridians. It functions to nourish yin, generate body fluids, moisten the lungs, and calm the heart. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, cool-natured herbs typically have functions of clearing heat and moistening dryness. Ophiopogon japonicus is commonly used to alleviate lung dryness causing dry cough and yin deficiency-related consumptive cough, as well as to improve throat obstruction and sore throat. It also helps with body fluid deficiency and thirst caused by stomach yin deficiency, including internal heat with excessive thirst (diabetes). Additionally, it can regulate heart yin deficiency-related irritability and insomnia, and intestinal dryness causing constipation.

When using, attention should be paid to the following: those with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach should use it cautiously, as it may worsen discomforts such as diarrhea and abdominal pain in such individuals. Patients with cold-wind cough or phlegm-damp cough should not use it, as it may cause retention of cold or damp phlegm in the body. Those with allergic constitutions should be cautious; first-time users should start with a small dose. If symptoms such as rashes or itching occur, usage should be immediately discontinued to avoid adverse consequences.

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

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