Can Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) be used to make soup?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) can be used to prepare soups, but it should be used in moderation. When making soup, the amount of Mai Dong should be moderate, as excessive use may cause the soup to taste bitter. Typically, 5-10 grams of Mai Dong per pot of soup is sufficient. Individuals with a cold body constitution or those prone to diarrhea should consume Mai Dong soup cautiously to avoid exacerbating physical discomfort.

Generally speaking, Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) can be used to make soup, but it should be used in moderation. The details are as follows:

MJ is suitable for making soup. It has a naturally sweet aroma that enhances the mellow flavor of the soup, making the taste more complex. When making soup, MJ is often combined with chicken, pork ribs, tremella, and other ingredients. During the cooking process, its nutrients dissolve into the broth, which can help hydrate the body and relieve discomfort caused by dryness. For example, MJ炖鸡汤 (MJ and chicken soup), where the savory flavor of chicken blends with the sweetness of MJ, is a common nourishing home-cooked soup.

However, the quantity of MJ used in soup should be moderate, as excessive use may cause bitterness in the soup. Generally, it is recommended to use 5–10 grams per pot of soup. Individuals with a cold body constitution or those prone to diarrhea should consume MJ soup cautiously to avoid aggravating physical discomfort. Additionally, MJ soup is only for daily dietary regulation and cannot replace medication. If significant physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention should be sought.

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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.