Does Ophiopogon japonicus nourish the stomach or harm the stomach?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, whether Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) nourishes or irritates the stomach mainly depends on the dosage, method of administration, and the individual's physical condition. When taking Ophiopogon japonicus routinely, one should adjust the dosage according to the condition of the spleen and stomach. Individuals with insufficient stomach yin may take small amounts over a prolonged period, while those with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach should avoid it as much as possible. During consumption, it can be combined with mild ingredients such as Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) and millet to neutralize the herb's cold nature.

Generally speaking, whether Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) nourishes or harms the stomach mainly depends on the dosage, method of consumption, and the individual's physical condition. The detailed explanation is as follows:

If someone inherently suffers from stomach yin deficiency, manifested as dry mouth and throat, mild stomach pain, and poor appetite, taking an appropriate amount of Ophiopogon can help nourish the stomach yin and promote body fluid production, thereby alleviating gastric discomfort and achieving a stomach-nourishing effect. For example, using a small amount of Ophiopogon to brew tea or cooking it together with porridge can be beneficial. In such cases, keeping the dosage within a reasonable range and combining it with mild ingredients is advantageous to the stomach.

However, if someone inherently has a cold deficiency in the spleen and stomach, frequently experiencing loose stools and cold-induced stomach pain, or if excessive amounts of Ophiopogon are consumed, especially when eaten raw in large quantities, the slightly cold nature of Ophiopogon may burden the spleen and stomach, worsening these conditions and causing discomfort such as abdominal distension and diarrhea, thus damaging gastric function. This effect is particularly pronounced when large quantities are consumed on an empty stomach, easily causing gastrointestinal discomfort.

When consuming Ophiopogon in daily life, attention should be paid to adjusting the dosage according to one's spleen and stomach condition: those with stomach yin deficiency may take small amounts over a prolonged period, while those with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach should avoid it as much as possible. During consumption, it can be combined with mild ingredients such as Chinese yam and millet to neutralize the cold nature of Ophiopogon. If any stomach discomfort occurs after consumption, usage should be stopped immediately, and professional advice should be sought 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.