How to steep Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) in water for consumption?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Generally, Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) can be steeped in water either on its own, combined with Lycium barbarum (goji berries), Chrysanthemum, Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon's seal), or Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle). Additionally, according to personal preference, MJ may also be combined with other ingredients such as tangerine peel or licorice root. Meanwhile, in daily use, it is important not to consume excessive amounts of MJ; a typical dose is approximately 5–8 pieces per serving.

Generally, there are several methods for preparing Ophiopogon japonicus (mai dong) tea, including brewing it alone or combining it with other ingredients such as Lycium barbarum (goji berries), chrysanthemum, Polygonatum odoratum (yuzhu), or Honeysuckle (jin yin hua). Detailed instructions are as follows:

1. Brewing Alone

Take 5–8 dried Ophiopogon japonicus tubers, quickly rinse them with clean water to remove surface dust, place them into a cup, and pour 80–90°C hot water over them. Cover the cup and steep for 10–15 minutes before drinking. Active components such as Ophiopogon saponins and polysaccharides can gradually dissolve in water at the appropriate temperature. Brewing alone best preserves the naturally sweet and mild flavor, making it suitable for those who prefer a simple method of consumption.

2. Combined with Goji Berries

Prepare 5 Ophiopogon japonicus tubers and 10 goji berries. After washing, place them together into a cup and steep with hot water for 15 minutes. The goji polysaccharides complement the components of Ophiopogon japonicus, creating a more complex flavor profile. However, the amount of goji berries should not be excessive to avoid overpowering the natural flavor of the Ophiopogon japonicus with excessive sweetness.

3. Combined with Chrysanthemum

Take 5 Ophiopogon japonicus tubers and 3–5 dried chrysanthemum flowers. Wash them thoroughly, place them into a cup, and pour hot water over them. Steep for 8–10 minutes. Chrysanthemum has a cooling nature and can balance the flavor when combined with Ophiopogon japonicus. Its flavonoid content dissolves together with the Ophiopogon components, making this combination suitable for consumption during hot weather. However, the steeping time should not be too long to prevent the chrysanthemum petals from becoming overly soft and affecting the drinking experience.

4. Combined with Yuzhu (Polygonatum Odoratum)

Prepare 5 Ophiopogon japonicus tubers and 3 grams of Yuzhu. After washing both ingredients, place them into a cup and pour in hot water. Steep for 15–20 minutes. Due to Yuzhu's firm texture, it requires a longer steeping time alongside Ophiopogon japonicus to ensure its polysaccharides fully dissolve and blend with the active components of Ophiopogon, making this combination suitable for those who prefer a more complex flavor.

5. Combined with Honeysuckle

Take 5 Ophiopogon japonicus tubers and 3 grams of honeysuckle flowers. Wash them thoroughly, place them into a cup, and steep with hot water for 10 minutes. Chlorogenic acid and other components in honeysuckle are easily dissolved in hot water, producing a tea with a delicate floral aroma when combined with Ophiopogon. This combination is suitable for consumption during times of physical discomfort. However, the amount of honeysuckle should be moderate to avoid an overly strong taste.

In addition, Ophiopogon japonicus tea can also be customized with other ingredients such as tangerine peel (chen pi) or licorice (gan cao) according to personal preference. It is important to note that the dosage of Ophiopogon japonicus should not be excessive—5–8 tubers per serving is sufficient. The used Ophiopogon can be re-steeped with additional hot water until the flavor becomes weak, to avoid waste. Individuals with a cold body constitution should reduce the frequency of consumption to prevent possible gastrointestinal 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.