If you've been in a health food store recently you've probably seen goji berries. They are little dried fruits similar in size to raisins that have a deep red color. With a slightly sweet and tangy taste, goji berries are a great addition to trail mix and can be found in a delicious juice form as well. They typically come from the Himalaya region and are touted for their immune system boosting capabilities. Of course, you can imagine that a food with these properties might have attracted the attention of some intrepid Chinese herbalist thousands of years ago. Well, you're right and goji berries are an important Chinese herbal remedy.
Goji berries, or wolfberries, are known as Gou Qi Zi in Chinese herbal medicine. They are categorized as being Blood Tonifiers and have a sweet taste but a neutral temperature. As a blood tonifier, gou qi zi is very important in preserving the health of an aging body and addressing issues that may come up as a result. This herb travels to the Kidneys, Liver and Lungs and its neutral temperature allows it to elicit change without causing too much strain on the digestive system. The kidneys and liver are two of the more important organ systems to enrich and supplement as the body gets older and the actions of this herb clearly address those organs. By enriching the kidneys, the gou qi zi can treat knee and low back ache, diabetes and impotence caused by a decrease in kidney energy. Its actions on the liver focus a great deal on the eyes. The bright red color of the berries indicates a high content of beta-carotene and other anti-oxidants such as zeaxanthin, both of which are major promoters of increased eye health and vision. The goji berries actions on the lungs is derived from its sweet taste since the berries can be effective at treating cough similar to how a sweet cough or honey drop can help alleviate an irritating dry cough. If I ever end up with a dry cough, I find that a couple of gou qi zi berries in my morning tea can help moisten and soothe my throat.
Obviously touting an herbal remedy's ability to protect the liver, help eyesight, improve sexual function, strengthen the low back and knees, and boost immune function is great, especially when it comes to selling dried berries or goji juice, but what about some scientific support for these claims. Unfortunately, there hasn't been too much done aside from analyzing the chemical composition of the berries. That data has shown gou qi zi to be one of the most nutrient dense foods available and indicates a high concentration of beta carotene and other anti-oxidants that decrease the cellular aging process. In moderation, consuming goji berries daily might be a great way to boost your system and maintain your vision into old age.
Goji berries, or wolfberries, are known as Gou Qi Zi in Chinese herbal medicine. They are categorized as being Blood Tonifiers and have a sweet taste but a neutral temperature. As a blood tonifier, gou qi zi is very important in preserving the health of an aging body and addressing issues that may come up as a result. This herb travels to the Kidneys, Liver and Lungs and its neutral temperature allows it to elicit change without causing too much strain on the digestive system. The kidneys and liver are two of the more important organ systems to enrich and supplement as the body gets older and the actions of this herb clearly address those organs. By enriching the kidneys, the gou qi zi can treat knee and low back ache, diabetes and impotence caused by a decrease in kidney energy. Its actions on the liver focus a great deal on the eyes. The bright red color of the berries indicates a high content of beta-carotene and other anti-oxidants such as zeaxanthin, both of which are major promoters of increased eye health and vision. The goji berries actions on the lungs is derived from its sweet taste since the berries can be effective at treating cough similar to how a sweet cough or honey drop can help alleviate an irritating dry cough. If I ever end up with a dry cough, I find that a couple of gou qi zi berries in my morning tea can help moisten and soothe my throat.
Obviously touting an herbal remedy's ability to protect the liver, help eyesight, improve sexual function, strengthen the low back and knees, and boost immune function is great, especially when it comes to selling dried berries or goji juice, but what about some scientific support for these claims. Unfortunately, there hasn't been too much done aside from analyzing the chemical composition of the berries. That data has shown gou qi zi to be one of the most nutrient dense foods available and indicates a high concentration of beta carotene and other anti-oxidants that decrease the cellular aging process. In moderation, consuming goji berries daily might be a great way to boost your system and maintain your vision into old age.
I was introduced to gou qi zi in acupuncture school and have enjoyed them since then in teas or with some mixed nuts and chocolate chunks in a popular trail mix. They can be a little difficult to chew though and if you are interested in adding them to your regular diet, put them in a cup of tea and let them rehydrate. Your jaw and your eyes will thank you!
Chris Lehmann is a nationally board licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist practicing in Boston, MA. His acupuncture practice, Eastern Sun Acupuncture, seeks to provide the safest, most effective and comprehensive acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy to Boston and surrounding communities. More information can be found at the website, http://www.easternsunacupuncture.com/. He also publishes blog posts, maintains an active Facebook fan page and tweets acupuncture related news as @easternsunacu. To learn more about Eastern Sun Acupuncture or to book an appointment, visit http://www.easternsunacupuncture.com/ today.
