Can I swallow the Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong)?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) can be consumed and is categorized as a substance that is both a food and a medicine. However, it should be consumed in moderation, and individual physical condition should be considered, as it may not be suitable for everyone to consume casually. In daily life, if you wish to consume Ophiopogon japonicus directly, it is recommended to limit intake to just a few pieces each time, avoiding excessive consumption. Those with weaker spleen and stomach function may combine it with mild ingredients and observe their body's reaction while consuming it.

Generally speaking, Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) can be consumed and is categorized as a substance that serves both as food and medicine. However, its consumption should be moderate and based on individual body constitution, as it may not be suitable for everyone. Specific details are as follows:

MJ is commonly used either as a food ingredient or a medicinal herb. The remaining MJ after soaking in water can be chewed and consumed directly, allowing better absorption of its components, such as polysaccharides and amino acids. It has a slightly sweet taste when consumed directly and can assist in nourishing Yin and promoting the production of body fluids. It is particularly suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency and fluid depletion who often experience dry mouth and throat. Usually, it does not cause adverse reactions. However, excessive consumption, especially taking in too much at once, might burden the gastrointestinal system due to its slightly cold nature, possibly causing discomforts such as abdominal distension and loss of appetite. Individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency coldness and those prone to diarrhea should be especially cautious, as excessive intake might worsen diarrhea symptoms.

In daily life, if you intend to consume MJ directly, it is recommended to limit the intake to just a few pieces each time to avoid excessive consumption. Those with weaker spleen-stomach function can combine it with mild-tasting ingredients and observe the body's response, thereby better utilizing its properties to maintain physical comfort and avoid discomfort.

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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.