Can Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) be eaten by chewing?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) can be consumed by chewing, as this method better preserves its nutrients. However, it should be taken in moderation and adjusted according to individual body constitution, as excessive chewing is not suitable for everyone. In daily life, it is recommended to chew 2–3 pieces at a time, and consuming it with warm water aids digestion. Individuals with yin deficiency and body fluid depletion, or those who frequently experience dry mouth, may appropriately increase the frequency of consumption.

Generally, Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) can be consumed by chewing, which better preserves its nutrients. However, it should be taken in moderation and adjusted according to individual body constitutions, as excessive chewing and consumption may not be suitable for everyone. Detailed analysis is as follows:

MJ has a soft and pliable texture and is considered a substance suitable for both medicinal and dietary use. When chewed, its nutrients such as polysaccharides and amino acids can be directly absorbed through the oral mucosa. Compared with steeping in water, chewing preserves the nutrients more completely and avoids waste of the material. Chewing produces a slightly sweet and pleasant aftertaste, without significant irritation or unpleasant odor. Normally, small amounts of chewing won't cause discomfort and can help supplement essential nutrients. However, the quantity should be controlled, as excessive consumption might burden the gastrointestinal tract. Particularly for individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach or those prone to abdominal distension and diarrhea, due to MJ's slightly cold nature, excessive chewing may further irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, possibly worsening uncomfortable symptoms.

In daily life, it is recommended to chew 2-3 pieces of MJ at a time, preferably with warm water to aid digestion. Individuals with yin deficiency and body-fluid depletion, who often experience dry mouth, may appropriately increase the frequency of consumption, while those with weaker spleen and stomach function should reduce the frequency. By chewing reasonably, one can obtain nutrients while maintaining gastrointestinal health.

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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.