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.
Benefits of Goji Berries:
1. Goji Berries are loaded with high concentrations of:
Anti-oxidant vitamins (A, C, E)
Minerals (selenium, zinc)
Phytochemicals (‘carotenoid’ anti-oxidants, polysaccharides, flavonoids)
- healthy skin
- healthy eyes
- slows aging and neurodegeneration
- reduces damage to organs, tissues and cells
- reduces genetic mutations and gene signaling (can reduce free radicals and oxidative stress)
2. Goji Berries strengthens the blood and vitality of the liver and kidney channels
- increases iron
- sore back & legs
- abdominal pain
- reduced sexual strength
- infertility & impotence
- high blood pressure
- grey hair
3. Goji Berries benefit and brighten the eyes
- blurred vision
- dry eyes
- diminished visual acuity
- dizziness
4. Goji Berries moisten the fluids of the lung
- 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.).
Only use goji berries in small amounts during pregnancy, as they may stimulate uterine contractions in large doses.
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
Goji berry is packed with anti-oxidants that help fight off free radicals and prevent cell damages.
Thanks to Hidalgo Foods for berries.
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I saw Goji berry is used in most Chinese soup, besides take it internally. Can we use goji berry for externally? e.g. making goji berry facial cream w/aloe?? (just wondering)
I never tried that! I wonder if it would temporarily stain the face a little bit red? Plus it might be hard to mash up, and it would become sticky if mashed up in a blender. I think the healing effects are best absorbed internally from eating. I like powdered ‘Mei Gui Hua’ and ‘Sang Ji Sheng’ better for external use on the skin.
My Chinese doctor told me to consume just a small handful of Goji at a time, not too much Goji Berry for me b/c of other issues.
The strong taste of Goji berries makes it easy to use it as herbal supplement and not a food. I was adding goji berries to a Da Zao decoction.
That is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Short but very accurate information… Thank you for sharing this
one. A must read post!