How to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for best results?
Sep 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
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.
Generally speaking, there is no definitive answer to the question "How to eat Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) for the best effect." Common effective methods to consume MJ for better results include steeping it in water as tea, combining it with ingredients for soups, cooking it with grains into porridge, boiling it with other herbs, or taking it directly by mouth. The details are as follows:
1. Steep in water as tea: Take 5-8 dried Ophiopogon japonicus roots, wash them thoroughly, and place them in a cup. Pour boiling water over them, cover the cup, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes before drinking. You can steep them repeatedly until the flavor fades. This method allows the active ingredients in Ophiopogon japonicus to dissolve fully in the water, offering a convenient and effective way to relieve dry mouth and throat.
2. Combine with ingredients for soups: When preparing chicken soup or pork rib soup, you can add 10-15 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus along with other ingredients such as lily bulbs and Solomonseal rhizome. Cooking Ophiopogon japonicus with meat not only enhances the soup's sweetness but also allows its nutrients to infuse into the broth.
3. Cook with grains into porridge: Prepare an appropriate amount of Ophiopogon japonicus, rice, and a small amount of rock sugar. Wash the Ophiopogon japonicus and boil it in water to extract the juice. Then use this juice to cook porridge with rice, adding rock sugar for flavor before serving. This method is gentle on the stomach and aids digestion and absorption.
4. Boil with other herbs: Combine Ophiopogon japonicus with herbs such as honeysuckle flower and chrysanthemum in appropriate proportions, and boil them together in water for 20-30 minutes before drinking the strained liquid. Combining different herbs can produce synergistic effects—for example, Ophiopogon japonicus paired with honeysuckle flower is suitable for consumption during hot and dry weather to help alleviate discomfort.
5. Take directly by mouth: Take 1-2 fresh or dried Ophiopogon japonicus roots, wash them thoroughly, and place them directly in your mouth. Let them slowly release their juice, and when the flavor fades, chew and swallow them. This method allows the components of Ophiopogon japonicus to come into direct contact with oral mucosa, quickly relieving dryness in the mouth and being convenient for on-the-go consumption.
When consuming Ophiopogon japonicus, it is important to maintain moderation, as excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should reduce their consumption to avoid exacerbating their condition.
