The efficacy and function of Ophiopogon japonicus and how to eat it

Ophiopogon japonicus, also known as Ophiopogon japonicus, is a commonly used yin-nourishing medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine. It has the functions of moistening the lungs and nourishing the stomach, clearing the heart and removing irritability, producing fluid and quenching thirst. It is suitable for symptoms such as dry cough due to yin deficiency, dry mouth and tongue, insomnia and dreaminess. Its main components are polysaccharides, saponins, etc. Modern research has also found that it has antioxidant and immune-regulating effects. There are many ways to consume it, including making tea, cooking porridge, or using it as medicinal food. However, people with weak spleen and stomach should use it with caution. This article will focus on the core functions, scientific functions and practical eating techniques of Ophiopogon japonicus to help readers make rational use of this traditional medicinal material.

The core functions and scientific basis of Ophiopogon japonicus

The medicinal value of Ophiopogon japonicus has long been recorded in "Shen Nong's Materia Medica" and is listed as "top grade".Moisten the lungs and relieve coughThe effect is particularly outstanding, and it is suitable for symptoms of dry cough and less phlegm. Studies have found that Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides can enhance the resistance of respiratory mucosa (Cited "Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine"). In addition, Ophiopogon japonicusNourishing yin and promoting fluid productionIt has an effect on relieving the thirst symptoms of diabetic patients, and its saponin component can promote insulin secretion (See the table below for data). It is worth noting that Ophiopogon japonicus is slightly cold in nature, so long-term use requires the use of warm medicinal herbs to balance its medicinal properties.

Daily consumption methods and combinations of Ophiopogon japonicus

The way to eat Ophiopogon japonicus is flexible and as simple asOphiopogon japonicus tea(Brewed in 5-10 grams of boiling water), suitable for relieving summer heat; or simmered with snow pear and rock sugar to make a lung-moistening soup. In medicinal diet, it is often combined with wolfberry and astragalus, such asOphiopogon astragalus chicken soup, both nourishing Qi and nourishing Yin. But please note:People with spleen and stomach deficiencyGinger and red dates can be added to neutralize the coldness; the daily dosage is recommended not to exceed 15 grams. Excessive dosage may cause diarrhea. Li Shizhen, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, emphasized in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" that "taking Ophiopogon japonicus for a long time will lighten the body", but it needs to vary from person to person.

Applicable groups and precautions

Ophiopogon japonicus is especially suitable forYin deficiency constitutionIf the patient has symptoms such as heat in the hands, feet, heart, and night sweats, it should not be used by those with colds or phlegm-damp constitution. Clinical cases show (Quote "Clinical Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine"), Ophiopogon japonicus combined with American ginseng can improve hot flash symptoms in menopausal women by 73%. What we need to be vigilant about is that some merchants exaggerate their “anti-cancer” effects. At present, only laboratory studies have shown potential anti-tumor activity, but there is no clinical evidence to support it. Consumers should treat it rationally.

Summary and suggestions

Ophiopogon japonicus is a model of the same source of medicine and food. Reasonable use can improve sub-health status, but it needs to be treated based on syndrome differentiation. Daily health recommendationsLong-term use in small doses, such as Ophiopogon porridge 3 times a week; for therapeutic purposes, it is recommended to be used under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. When purchasing, it is better to choose those with full particles and light yellow color, and avoid sulfur smoked products. Finally, a reminder that the efficacy of traditional medicinal materials needs to be combined with modern science to avoid blindly following trends.

Quote sources:
1. "Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" 2019 special issue on pharmacological research on Ophiopogon japonicus
2. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica·Caobu"
3. National Pharmacopoeia Commission "Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China" (2020 Edition)