What is the difference between Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Ophiopogon japonicus and Radix Ophiopogonis refer to the same traditional Chinese medicine and are simply different names for the same herb. Prior to use, one should clearly understand their body constitution. Individuals with a cold constitution or those prone to diarrhea should use with caution to avoid exacerbating internal coldness and causing discomfort. Dosage must be strictly controlled, as excessive use may increase the burden on the spleen and stomach. The specific dosage should be determined according to individual conditions or as directed by a healthcare professional. If used in combination with other herbs, proper formulation should be ensured.

Generally speaking, Ophiopogon Root (Mai Men Dong) and Dwarf Lilyturf Root (Mai Dong) are the same; they are simply two different names for the same traditional Chinese medicine. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Ophiopogon Root and Dwarf Lilyturf Root are identical; the only difference is their names. This herb is slightly cold in nature, sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and enters the heart, lung, and stomach meridians. It functions to nourish yin, promote body fluid production, moisten the lungs, and clear the heart. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms such as dry cough due to lung dryness, cough due to yin deficiency, throat obstruction and pain, and thirst caused by fluid deficiency. Whether used in decoctions, infusions, pills, or powders, both names refer to the same herb and have identical usage methods and dosage requirements, requiring no differentiation due to the name difference.

When using this herb, one should first determine their own body constitution. Those with a cold constitution or prone to diarrhea should use it cautiously to avoid aggravating internal cold and causing discomfort. Dosage should be strictly controlled, as excessive use may burden the spleen and stomach; the specific dosage should be determined according to individual conditions or as directed by a healthcare professional. If used in combination with other herbs, one should be aware of herb compatibility restrictions to avoid conflicting properties. Storage should be in a dry and well-ventilated place to prevent dampness and deterioration, which may affect its efficacy.

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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.