These lovely red berries are also called wolfberries or ‘Gou Qi Zi’.

Botanical name:  Lycium barbarum

Goji berries, with their sweet taste, enter and work in a moistening and strengthening way upon the channels of the kidney and liver.  The energetic temperature of these berries is neutral, which means that they can easily be used with both warm and cold cases.

According to Eastern medicine, goji berries have 3 traditional functions.  These are:

1. Tonifies and strengthens the blood, yin and essence of both the liver and kidney channels (or meridians)

Here are some examples of what Goji berries has been traditionally used for:

• sore back & legs
• abdominal pain
• reduced sexual strength
• dryness along the kidney and liver channels
• infertility & impotence
• high blood pressure
• grey hair

2. Benefits the essence and brightens the eyes

Here are some examples of symptoms treated by Goji berries according to this function:

• blurred vision
• dry eyes
• diminished visual acuity
• dizziness

3. Moistens and strengthens the yin fluids of the lung

According to this function, Goji berries can be used for the following symptoms of lung dryness:

• dry or consumptive cough
• blood-streaked sputum
• thirst
• chronic, dry throat

DOSAGE: Daily dosage of Goji berries is typically 6-12 grams.

CAUTION: Be cautious with the use of goji berries in the case of dampness in the spleen (loose stools, poor appetite, etc.) as this herb is already moistening.

Caution should also be used in the case of dampness in the lungs (wet phlegm, nasal mucus, etc.).

Also, ask your acupuncturist about the use of goji berries in pregnancy.

RESEARCH: There is a lot of research currently being done on the effects of Goji berries.  Studies show that Goji berries have an overall positive effect on the functions of the body, including immunity, blood pressure, sleep, mood, mental clarity and energy.  Have a look at these studies:

Studies show a positive effect on health in general:

Goji Berries: Immune Function & General Well-being

Studies show that Goji berries can lower the blood pressure:

Goji Berries: effect on hypertension

Studies show that Goji berries can increase the immune system. Here’s research indicating that Goji berries can reduce the growth of cancer cells:

Goji Berries: effect on gastric cancer

Goji Berries: effect on colon cancer

Goji Berries: effect on breast cancer (by favorably altering estradiol metabolism)

Goji Berries: effect on prostate cancer

Goji Berries: effect on tumors

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Here is a general list of foods that are traditionally used to promote breast milk.  Many of these are energetically warming and may not be appropriate for all individuals.  Please inquire about which ones would be best for you.

• Fennel
• Fish
• Millet
• Egg
• Beef
• Dates
• Chicken
• Oxtail Soup
• Pig’s Feet Soup w/ star anise
• Chinese gouji berries (wolf berries)
• Black Sesame Seeds
• Carrot
• Soybeans
• Sweet potatoes
• Peanuts
• Alfalfa leaf
• Fenugreek
• Aduki beans
• Aduki juice: Cook 1 cup beans in 5 cups water for 1 hour. Collect juice, drink ½ cup 1-2 x/day for 3-5 days.

Drinking mint tea while nursing is generally not helpful and can even reduce the amount of breast milk.  Another herb that is stronger for stopping lactation during weaning time is ‘Mai Ya’ sprouted barley.

Here are ingredients for making a traditional Asian soup to promote breast milk and strengthen the energy after delivery:

• 1 black chicken (Wu Ji Bai Feng) or regular chicken (organic-remove skin
  if possible)
• 3 slices ginger
• 3 pieces green onion
• 10pieces red dates (Hong Zao)
• 1/4 lb. red peanuts (3/4 cup)

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.

The following foods & herbs should be avoided or used with care during the first 38 weeks of pregnancy, as many can be too stimulating for the uterus. However some of the following can be okay for certain individuals during pregnancy.  Talk with your practitioner about any specifics regarding your case.

• Saffron
• Rhubarb
• Tumeric
• Basil
• Eggplant
• Aloe
• Purslane
• Barley
• Hawthorn Berries
• Sage
• Goldenseal
• Arnica
• Black Cohosh
• Blue Cohosh
• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)
• Musk scents or perfume (or the scent of skunk musk)

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.

PLACENTA (Zǐ Hé Chē)

Before using the powerful and warming medicine of placenta, it is important to have your tongue and pulse checked to make sure it is appropriate for you.   The placenta can be freeze-dried or tinctured and saved for later use, such as menopause.

Benefits:

• Powerfully augments qi and nourishes blood
• Increases lactation: for weak post-partum women; chronic illness; anemia
• Strengthens warming Yang energy and benefits deep internal Jing energy (the body’s essence)
• Benefits Lung energy
• Babies that are born with deficiencies can benefit from the powerful strengthening nature of this life-sustaining medicine

Channels entered: Lung, Liver, Kidney

Properties: sweet, salty, warm

Directions for freeze-drying

Supplies needed: glass or ceramic bowl, gloves, wax paper, foil, baking sheet

• Soak in cold, clean water 10 minutes using a glass or ceramic bowl
• Rinse and squeeze out blood until placenta runs clear
• Dehydrate by baking on baking sheet in 250-300 degree oven for 1+ hours
• Inspect to see that center appears cooked and dried
• Leave out to air dry 12- 24 hours
• Wrap entirely in wax paper, then foil and place in “freezer” zip lock bag
• Freeze until needed

Directions for consuming:

Please check with your acupuncturist about when would be the best time to consume.  Because placenta is warming, it can overly warm a yin deficient person if taken at the wrong time or in the wrong combination.

• Cut up into 1″ by 1″ pieces
• Grind to a powder in a food processor or grinder such as a coffee grinder
• Put in capsules. Our office can encapsulate, please inquire.

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.

2 cups cold water

Directions: Stir-fry dried barley sprouts in a dry, hot wok for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving around the sprouts with a wooden spoon so they do not burn.  While this step is important, it can be done well ahead of time (days, weeks, months) and stir-fried sprouts can be stored out of the sun in a mason jar with a lid.

In a small pot, soak 30 grams ’stir-fried’ sprouted barley along with 2 cups water for 20 minutes to soften the herb and begin the release of its medicinal qualities.

(Note:  the type of pot you use is important! Ceramic Asian herb pots are preferred. Glass pots that can go on the stove work well.  A ‘Le Creuset’ pot is also workable.   For a simple recipe like this, a stainless steel pot is okay but not the best for making repeated or complex herbal brews.)

Bring barley and water to a boil with lid on.  Once boil is achieved, reduce to a high simmer and cook for 25 mintues.  Strain into a glass mason jar with cheesecloth covering the opening of the jar. Drink 1/2 – 3/4 cup of the warm liquid at various time over the next 24 hour period.

This recipe is useful for women who want to wean their child, as it will encourage the milk to dry up naturally.  One batch can be cooked daily for drinking.  This can be repeated up to 1-3 weeks as needed.  Depending on the results obtained from 30 grams, you can decide whether or not you should use more barley the next time.  For example, you can use 45 grams for your 2nd batch and compare the difference.  60 grams is stronger and necessary in some cases.

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.

• 1 black chicken (Wu Ji Bai Feng) or regular chicken
• 3 slices ginger
• 20-30 grams ‘Huang Qi’ Astragalus (to tonify energy and prevent sinking)
• 1-2 cups root vegetables (carrots, celery, potato, parsnips, etc)
• Enough water to cover ingredients by 1 inch

Place all ingredients in large heavy-bottom pot and cover with water.  Turn flame on high and check pot in 10-15 minutes.  When boiling, turn down to ‘high simmer’ and cook for 1-2 hours.  Strain and discard ingredients and keep the rich broth.  Half cup of broth can be drunk alone, 2x per day.  Alternatively, broth can be used as a flavorful liquid to make any other meals, especially soup.

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.