How to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for optimal efficacy?
Sep 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no standard answer to the question of "how to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for the best efficacy." Recommended methods for better efficacy include boiling it in water as a tea substitute, stewing it with tremella mushrooms, cooking it together with porridge, steaming it with pears, or soaking it with honey for consumption. In addition, Ophiopogon japonicus can be used together with other ingredients such as lily bulbs or Solomonseal rhizome to prepare soups or boiled water. At the same time, it is important to control the dosage when consuming Ophiopogon japonicus in daily life.
Generally speaking, there is no definitive way to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for optimal efficacy. However, some effective methods include boiling it in water as a tea substitute, stewing it with white fungus, adding it to porridge, steaming it with pear, or soaking it with honey. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Boiling in water as a tea substitute
Take 10-15 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus, wash it thoroughly, place it in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it as tea. Boiling allows more active ingredients such as Ophiopogon saponins and polysaccharides to dissolve fully in the water, increasing their utilization compared to simple soaking. Drinking the warm liquid enhances absorption by the body and is suitable for regular health maintenance.
2. Stewing with white fungus
Prepare 10 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus, one dried white fungus, and five lotus seeds. Soak the white fungus until softened, tear it into small pieces, and place it in a stewing bowl along with washed Ophiopogon japonicus and lotus seeds. Add an appropriate amount of water and stew over water for 1-1.5 hours. The plant-based gelatin in the white fungus blends with the Ophiopogon japonicus components, allowing full release of active ingredients during stewing. The resulting dish is moist and gentle on the stomach, effectively utilizing Ophiopogon japonicus while providing hydration, making it suitable for consumption during dry seasons.
3. Adding to porridge
When cooking rice or millet porridge, add 8-10 grams of washed Ophiopogon japonicus 15 minutes before the porridge is fully cooked, and continue cooking until done. Porridge is inherently mild and easy to digest. Cooking Ophiopogon japonicus together with the porridge allows its active ingredients to infuse into the porridge, which slowly releases them during digestion, reducing gastrointestinal irritation. Additionally, the soothing nature of the porridge enhances the effects of Ophiopogon japonicus, making it suitable for individuals with weaker spleen and stomach function.
4. Steaming with pear
Take 8 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus and one pear. Wash the pear, remove the core, and cut it into chunks. Place the pear and Ophiopogon japonicus in a bowl, add a small amount of water, steam for 20-25 minutes, then eat the pear and drink the broth. Pears are cooling in nature and help relieve dryness. When steamed together with Ophiopogon japonicus, their active ingredients blend under steam, while steaming reduces the cooling nature of the pear, allowing for a more balanced and gentle effect, making it suitable for relieving discomfort caused by dryness.
5. Soaking with honey
Steep 5-8 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus in water around 80°C, let it soak for 10 minutes, then wait until the water cools to below 40°C before adding 1-2 tablespoons of honey and stirring well before consumption. Honey has a moisturizing effect and enhances the hydrating properties of Ophiopogon japonicus. It also improves the taste of Ophiopogon japonicus while avoiding high temperatures that could damage the nutritional components of honey, allowing the benefits of both to be better combined. This method is suitable for individuals who prefer sweet beverages.
In addition, Ophiopogon japonicus can also be stewed with ingredients such as lily bulb or Solomonseal rhizome. When consuming Ophiopogon japonicus in daily life, it is important to control the amount consumed to avoid excessive intake that may cause bodily discomfort. Be aware of your body constitution—those with a cold constitution should reduce consumption frequency. If currently taking other medications, consult a healthcare professional before consuming to avoid any potential interactions.
