What is the function of Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor)?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the main functions of Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) include nourishing yin and promoting body fluid production, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, clearing the heart and eliminating irritability, nourishing stomach yin, and assisting in regulating metabolism. Additionally, when using Ophiopogon japonicus, it is important to adjust the dosage according to individual constitution, and the dosage should not be excessive. For patients with hyperthyroidism accompanied by symptoms of yin deficiency and internal heat, a small amount may be used, but consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.

Generally speaking, the main functions of Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) include nourishing yin and promoting body fluid production, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, clearing the heart and eliminating irritability, nourishing stomach yin, and assisting in regulating metabolism. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Nourishing Yin and Promoting Body Fluid Production

Ophiopogon japonicus is slightly cold in nature and contains components such as amino acids and polysaccharides, which participate in the production of bodily yin fluids. When symptoms of yin deficiency manifest, such as dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, or constipation, using Ophiopogon japonicus can promote secretion of body fluids, alleviating the dryness. It is particularly suitable for use during dry seasons or for those who stay in air-conditioned environments for extended periods.

2. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough

In traditional Chinese medicine, Ophiopogon japonicus is associated with the lung meridian and has the function of nourishing lung yin. Deficiency of lung yin can easily lead to lung dryness, causing symptoms such as dry cough with little phlegm or sore throat during coughing episodes. In such cases, Ophiopogon japonicus can moisturize the lungs, reduce dryness in the respiratory system, help relieve coughing, and contribute to daily lung care. It is often used in combination with other lung-moistening ingredients.

3. Clearing the Heart and Eliminating Irritability

Ophiopogon japonicus is associated with the heart meridian and can nourish heart yin. Adequate heart yin helps calm internal heat caused by emotional stress or overwork. When long-term熬夜 (sleep deprivation), mental tension, or anxiety lead to irritability, insomnia, and emotional agitation, using Ophiopogon japonicus can alleviate these discomforts by nourishing heart yin, assist in improving emotional well-being, and potentially enhance sleep quality. It is especially suitable for individuals with yin-deficient constitutions.

4. Nourishing Stomach Yin

Ophiopogon japonicus acts on the stomach by nourishing its yin and promoting gastric juice secretion. When symptoms such as loss of appetite, mild stomach pain, dry vomiting, or hiccups arise due to stomach yin deficiency, using Ophiopogon japonicus can relieve discomfort and help improve digestive function, maintaining a comfortable state in the stomach. It is suitable for individuals with stomach yin deficiency to use for body regulation.

5. Assisting in Regulating Metabolism

The polysaccharide components in Ophiopogon japonicus play a certain role in regulating bodily metabolism. Proper use of Ophiopogon japonicus can assist in maintaining normal metabolic rhythms while providing nutritional support. It may help alleviate mild symptoms such as dry mouth and fatigue caused by metabolic disorders. However, this should be based on a balanced diet and regular作息 (lifestyle habits), and cannot replace professional medical interventions.

In addition, when using Ophiopogon japonicus, it is important to adjust the dosage according to individual constitution, and excessive dosage should be avoided each time. Patients with hyperthyroidism who also exhibit symptoms of yin deficiency and internal heat may use small amounts, but should consult a healthcare professional beforehand. Patients with hypothyroidism, who typically have cold-deficient constitutions, should use it sparingly or avoid it altogether to prevent worsening of symptoms. Additionally, individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold or a tendency toward diarrhea should also use it cautiously.

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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.