The Magical Delicious Goji Berry
The Goji Berry (whose pharmaceutical name is Fructus Lycii, Latin botanical name is Lycium barbarum, Pinon herbal name is Gou qi zi, and common names include Chinese wolfberry fruit & Lycium fruit) is a bush-grown fruit grown primarily in China and Tibet. The Himalayan and Chinese Goji are different sub-species of Lycium barbarum, with the vast majority of scientific studies, to date, having been performed on the Chinese variety. The fruit/berry (Gou qi zi) as well as the bark (Di gu pi) and leaves (Gou qi ye) of this plant belong to the Chinese Materia Medica, i.e. they are among the herbs used by practitioners of Chinese medicine. The berries happen also to be a “food-grade” herb, i.e. are both safe and delicious to consume ~ much as one would a handful of raisins.
In the language of Chinese medicine, the qualities (i.e. its “taste” which determines the effect that it has on the body) of Gou qi zi/Lycium are “sweet” and “neutral”; the meridians that it enters are the Liver, Lung & Kidney; and its “actions & indications” (i.e. what the herb does and what kinds of conditions it treats) include:
1.Nourishing and tonifying the liver and kidney. One of the Liver system’s primary functions is to create a smooth flow of emotional energy in the bodymind (hence the capacity of Goji Berries to make us feel happy). A strong Kidney system manifests as an abundance of energy and a healthy libido (hence the strengthening, tonifying capacity of Goji Berries).
2.Alleviating soreness in the back, legs and stomach.
3.Improving night vision & blurred vision.
4.Used to treat diabetes, premature white hair and consumption.
5.The leaves and bark can be used for hot flashes and cough due to consumption.
6.The leaves can be used for tonifying deficiency and relieving anxiety, pain in the joints and skin, and for releasing toxins from boils.
Western medical functions of Goji Berries include:
1.Being a super-antioxidant (abundant in different anti-oxidant phytochemicals, e.g. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP’s)).
2.Improving & regulating the immune system (providing additional resistance to a wide range of diseases).
3.Having anti-aging/longevity properties.
4.Lowering blood lipids.
5.Elevating testosterone levels.
6.Protecting liver function.
7.Having anti-cancer properties.
8.Improving white-blood-cell counts during chemotherapy.
9.Lowering blood sugar levels.
10.Lowering blood pressure.
11. Increasing physical strength.
12. Enhancing memory
13. Protecting vision. (The orange pigment in Goji berries is a powerful antioxidant that is easily absorbed & goes directly to our eyes and liver. It coats the lining of our eyes and keeps them youthful.)
14. Reducing cholesterol levels.
15. Relieving chronic inflammation, especially of the cardiovascular system.
16. Elevating the mood. (In China Goji is known as the “happy fruit.”)
17. Simulating estrogens.
18. Improving skin health. (In China Goji is known as a “beauty food” in large part because of its capacity to support healthy smooth skin.)
19. Rejuvenating sexuality.
Western scientific studies verifying these health-enhancing properties of the Goji Berry are proliferating rapidly, lending scientific credence to what has been known by Asia’s yogis, medical practitioners and laymen for thousands of years. These berries are good for you!
Now ones health, of course, depends on a whole range of factors, of which diet is just one. Spending time in nature, getting sufficient rest and exercise, connecting with the Divine (in whatever way feels most natural to us), and creating relationships rich with caring, affection, appreciation & love ~ all these are vitally important components of our health and well-being. But to the extent that you are willing and able to work at the level of diet, the simple addition of 1-2 oz. of Goji Berries daily can (and has for millions of people world-wide) have profoundly positive and lasting affects on your health and well-being. So my heartfelt recommendation is: give them a try!
I’ve explored a number of varieties of (both Himalayan & Chinese) Goji Berries, and as of now my favorite ~ by far ~ is Heaven Mountain Goji Berries, produced by Ron Teeguarden’s Dragon Herbs. These berries are produced at the base of China’s Heaven Mountain, and have been certified by the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China as “di tao” i.e. “from the place noted for the product ~ genuine, authentic, not from an inferior or counterfeit source.” They’re sweet & chewy & potent with life-force.
A one-pound bag (a one to two week supply, if you’re consuming 1-2 oz. daily) of Heaven Mountain Goji Berries sells for $16, an 8 oz. bag for $9. You can order online at http://www.dragonherbs.com or by phoning (888) 55-TONIC.
Grown: China & Tibet principally (Heaven Mountain are di tao = “from the place noted for the product ~ genuine, authentic, not from an inferior or counterfeit source” ~ officially certified by The Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China)
Actions & Indications:
nourishes and tonifies the liver and kidney; alleviates sore back, leg, and stomach; improves night vision, blurred vision, diabetes, premature white hair and consumption. The leaves and bark can be used for hot flashes and cough due to consumption. The leaves can be used for tonifying deficiency and to get rid of anxiety, pain in joints and skin, and the toxin from boils.
Medical Functions:
-1.improves and regulates immune system. (providing additional resistance to a wide range of diseases)
-1.anti-aging properties : a study on 43 healthy senior adults in which each ate 50 grams of qi zi continuously for 10 days (as a therapy period). The blood tests showed that immune indicators IgA, IgG and lymph cell conversion rate were elevated, cAMP increased, cGMP decreased. The ratios of cAMP/cGMP were elevated to healthy levels. Testosterone were elevated.
-1.lowers blood lipids,
-1.elevate level of testosterone
-1.protects liver function, prevents fatty liver
-1.contains anti-cancer properties
-1.simulates estrogens
-1.improves white blood cell counts during chemotherapy
-1.fruit, stems and leaves can lowers blood sugar
-1.fruit, stems and leaves can lower blood pressure
-1.anti-oxidant (abundant in different antioxidant phytochemicals. E.g. Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides (LBP))
-1.taking gou qi zi can increase the weight of the uteri of mature and immature mice.
-1.enhance memory
-1.physically strengthening LBP has been shown in studies to ehlp build muscle, reduce fat and increase both physical and mental energy in thos who consume it regularly ~ a true super-nutrient!
Protenct vision
Keeps skin silky smooth, helps prevent drying & wrinkling âÂ?¦ Goji berries considered a “beauty food” in China & throughout Asia. Youthful appearance & sexual life.
Helps with cholesterol and chronic inflammation, in particular in the cardiovascular system.
Helps the body regulate sugar. Proven to have significant hypoglycemic effects in the body.
A good source of betaine ~ a phytonutrient that has a wide range of benefits in the body, including calming the nerves, enhancing memory, protecting the liver & cardiovascular system.
Known as the “happy fruit” in China. regular consumption has been shown to elevate mood.
toxicity is minimal
Quality identification:
-1.Shape: oblong – not round – but not thin.
-1.Color: red or purplish red except for petals.
-1.Petal area: obviously white. If artificial color has been added, the areas where the petals are will be tinted. Artificial coloring is a sign that the seed is of lower quality. Artificial coloring can be toxic.
-1.Dryness: the water content should be about 12% to !3%. The seeds should not lump together. Test for dryness by squeezing them together and then releasing pressure. Good quality seeds should not lump together; they should become loose when the pressure is released.
-1.Taste: sweet. The seeds should not taste acrid.
-1.Smell: the smell is fragrant once the package is opened.
Sinking test: When dropped into water, the seeds should float for sometimes and should not sink in a short time.
Ron Teeguarden’s Dragon Herbs Heaven Mountain Goji Berries www.dragonherbs.com (888) 55-TONIC
